Spiny Norman wrote:
I was advised yesterday the smearing vegemite on the stem of a cutting
is as good as plant rooting powder for striking cuttings.

Anybody heard of this?


Regards
Prickles

Timendi causa est nescire
This message only uses recycled electrons
If its an Aussie native it should be OK! Aussies love vegemite!(grin)
otherwise read this.


It is best to take your cuttings from the hardened new growth that
arises between October and April. The plant producing your cutting
material should have finished a growth surge, with a clean and healthy
appearance and no moulds on the stems. Cut it into 7-10cm lengths, and
trim the leaves off the lower half of the cutting, ensuring no bark is
torn off the stem. Remove young growing shoots or flowers. Dip the cut
end into a rooting hormone powder to stimulate faster, more reliable
root growth. Grevilleas prefer a low nutrient propagation mix, like 1:2
parts peat moss and coarse sand. Place the entire pot in a plastic bag
and seal. The new cutting will produce roots in about 4 to 8 weeks, and
can be potted up once the roots are 3-5cm long.

Are you keeping the cuttings cool like wrapping them in damp paper if
not potting up straight away as they will dry out quickly, I have potted
up hundreds of cuttings and none have died within four days as they
usually have enought moisture in them to keep them alive for a while and
this is Queensland.

And Pete's (Gardening Australia) other rooting compound is vegemite but
I have never tried that interesting all the same yes do let us know how
you go.......MM.