On 16/05/2018 15:52, Chris Hogg wrote:
On Wed, 16 May 2018 13:49:14 +0100, Archibald Tarquin Blenkinsopp
wrote:


A final query, I can't help but notice the cuttings with rooting
compound have an almost zero success rate. To be honest I didn't
follow the instructions to the letter and wipe the excess off, I just
planted them with what was left sticking to the cutting after dipping.

I never wipe off the excess either; I just touch the end of the
cutting onto the rim of the bottle to allow the drip to run off, but
never actually wipe.

I suspect the main effect of the rooting compounds on public sale is as
an antifungal agent rather than a root promoter but it can still help.
More important is a nice sharp blade cut just below a node that doesn't
crush the plant tissue. Nodes are typically keen to form roots.
(as ever there are always some exceptions)

My none coated cuttings seem to have a better survival rate.

Is rooting compound worth the effort, or should I give it a miss?

AB

It's a moot point. Some swear by it, some say they don't see any
benefit. I usually use it, but I make sure it's fresh, rather than
having sat in the fridge for several years. Whether it helps, I don't
know as I've never done a back-to-back comparison.

It doesn't seem to make much difference to outcome for me. Basically it
ran out still got reasonable success and didn't bother buying any more.

--
Regards,
Martin Brown