Watering cuttings in perlite

Perlite is a light and airy medium that holds moisture without becoming soggy, making it great for rooting cuttings, especially those prone to rot. Proper moisture is essential to keep the cutting hydrated while still allowing airflow to the base.

Care instructions

1. Pre-moisten the perlite.
   Before placing the cutting, make sure the perlite is evenly damp. You can moisten it with filtered or room-temperature water and mix thoroughly so it feels lightly moist throughout, not dripping or dry.

2. Place the cutting securely.
   Insert the cutting into the damp perlite so it stands upright. The base or node should make good contact with the medium. For flat leaf cuttings, gently press the leaf into the surface.

3. Maintain light, even moisture.
   Perlite dries out faster than moss or soil. Mist the surface regularly, and check the base area with your finger or a wooden stick. If it feels dry, add a small amount of water around the edge to re-moisten without disturbing the cutting.

4. Use a humidity cover.
   To help the cutting retain moisture, especially in drier environments, use a humidity dome or plastic bag. Vent it once a day to reduce the risk of mold.

5. Bottom-watering works well.
   If using a tray or container, you can pour water into the bottom and let the perlite absorb moisture from below. Just be sure to drain excess water so the base of the cutting isn’t sitting in water long-term.

6. Ease off moisture once rooted.
   Once roots are visible or growth begins, you can slowly reduce misting and humidity. If you plan to transfer to another medium, let the perlite dry slightly before transplanting to avoid shocking the roots.

Watch out for

• Perlite drying out too quickly, common in open containers

• Overwatering that pools water at the bottom, leads to mold or rot

• Cuttings falling over, use support if needed, as perlite is lightweight