Planta
Back to Propagating & Sowing

My last two cuttings failed, so I've started another batch of five on… | Propagating & Sowing | Planta community

Waspinator

My last two cuttings failed, so I've started another batch of five on my variegated english oak project. I have two in water, two in soil, and one in sphagnum, with varying thickness and age. As expected, oak is being an absolute pain to prop, but I am more stubborn than the tree. I have two surviving non-variegated saplings from last year, so I'll try grafting on those (not sure whether to do that now or wait till they're a bit bigger.) If anyone has had success with propagating oaks, especially cuttings, I'd appreciate any tips

Attachment 1 of 1
2 likes 8 comments

8 comments

  1. Wolfen 🐺

    Are you using a rooting agent?

    1 like
    • Waspinator

      This time i chose not to, but on previous attempts i have used it with no apparent effect. I read that using too much can contribute to rotting, which has been the most common cause of failure so far. The one in the tall vase likely has some diluted in the water after the previous attempt

      0 likes
  2. Wolfen 🐺

    I've never heard of rooting hormone causing rot. If you don't use a strong enough one it'd be pointless though on woody stems. Id recommend Dip n Grow. Molding and rotting is the biggest issue with propping woody. So id recommend using sterilized media. Either perlite, or a mix you sterilize with boiling water.

    1 like
    • Wolfen 🐺

      I'd also recommend using the lollypop method, its the best success I've had propping figs and othe trees. And i always use that dip and grow, and if you see any mold, you can treat with 1:3 peroxide solution. I also spray down the props to sterilize them before I set them up. Fig especially are super prone to molding

      1 like
    • Waspinator

      I've not heard of the lollypop method before, and when i search for it the results are all related to growing drugs. Could you describe it?

      0 likes
    • Wolfen 🐺

      Hahaha omgs. Its very common with fig props. Try searching "fig pop propping" there's tons of youtubes on it. You basically get a long plastic bag, and divide it media and humid air closed off. . I usually use the 2gal zip locks. But there's some long tube bags that work really good.

      1 like
    • Waspinator

      That name got me useful search results. And it looks like a good method; I'll try it out. Hopefully with enough trial and error I'll crack the code on oaks 😆

      1 like
    • Wolfen 🐺

      I went through like 20 woody tree props, all dying, usually of mold. Before I started doing the "pops" and literally night and day difference, have only lost 2 props since I moved to this method. Super quick to root, and healthy props

      1 like