I changed the original a bit by turning the tub upside down and using the cover as a base for the cutting tray. Thanks Janie!

Janie

However, I found that the soil stayed too wet, so I only added water to the clay pot occasionally.

1 - How do you measure out your 50/50 peat and perlite mix? Do you use a coffee can or container of some sort, or do you just eyeball it?
2 - How/where do you mix the two and do you mix it dry? Do you do it directly in the plastic shoebox, or into a separate container first?
3 - How do you know how much water to add? How do you know when it is damp enough?
4 - When you put it into the plastic shoebox, do you gently pat it flat, or just scoop it in and leave it fluffy and uneven? In Janie's photos, it looks pretty flat.

Here is what I did today for my first propagation chamber venture:

I used a large scoop to measure and matched scoop-for-scoop, perlite and peat into a separate, large clean 5-gallon bucket. I stirred the dry ingredients together with a short piece of PVC pipe.

Then I poured in small amounts of water at a time, stirring the mix thoroughly. I continued to add water in small amounts until the dampness felt about right.

After it was thoroughly mixed and damp, I used a small hand shovel to fill my plastic shoebox about half-way. I gently patted it flat.

I twisted the clay pot into the center, creating the hole as I inserted it, so it would remain in contact with the surrounding soil (rather than leaving a hole when I added the soil to the box).

The remainder of the steps were according to Janie's directions. I am eager to see how this goes!

Carol

eyeball. Again, it isn't rocket science. Some people use 100% of either. I happen to use seed starting mix, coir, or perlite /vermiculite. Some people use NEW unscented non absorbent cat litter to root cuttings

I mix in another container to which I add water and mix thoroughly. This way I know it is all damp and not just the top - like you can get if you just water (otherwise you have to use too much water it's too wet) This also blends whatever rooting medium you decide to use.

Damp but not wet. Also, if you are going to put the lid on, there is enough moisture you do not need the pot in the center - but it's fine to use and if it makes you happy, then use it. It would make watering a little easier if the lid is off for awhile and the mix dries. For most cuttings, I don't use a lid. Drier areas of the country (or even this state) misting or a lid is more important. In the summer, I generally just place my uncovered rooting box outside in the shade for plants that are hardy in this area. For tropicals / houseplants, they are inside. The harder ones are on a heating mat - most are not (due to space limitations where I live now) If you are in a hot area and plan to root outside - don't use a lid or you will cook your cuttings.

I place the rooting medium in the container and firm it pretty well- also around each cutting as it is put in. you want the moist mixture in contact with the stem - you do not want large air pockets.

Like I said - there are many ways to succeed and some things work in some areas that won't work in others because of the difference in humidity and temperature or type of cuttings. Experiment with the easier cuttings or ones where you have unlimited source of cuttings first - then as your confidence builds, move on to the tougher plants.

Do you stick the pencil in all the way to the bottom of the box?

Do you insert the cutting all the way to the bottom of the box?

Thanks!
Carol

- I could only find the very small-sized clay pots at Home Depot in Jacksonville, Florida. I could not find any at plant nurseries, Lowes, Walmart or Target. Only Home Depot. $0.38 each.

I put a small amount of rooting hormone into an old film cannister. This is so I don't contaminate the whole package of powder, as Janie said, but I like the film cannister better than the paper because it is easier for me to dip the cutting and then tap off the excess powder.

Carol

Some cuttings actually root better without a rooting hormone powder. The powder can block some of the pores of the cells. Some cuttings root well with the powder - yes, I use it - but not on the easier to root cuttings. I do like the powder better than the liquid and I do like willow water.

Check at the dollar stores - I found excellent little clay pots that would work well for this - they were 3/ $1.00

I mostly posted about it not being rocket science to fend off the attacks by those who think there is only one way (their way) to do things.

REMEMBER - this is the only real MUST - REMEMBER which end of the cutting goes into the rooting medium. MOST will not root if they are put in upside down. There are very few exceptions to this rule (not including those you can root horizontally such as cactus)

A great book you can sometimes find used is 'Plant Propagation principles and practices' Mine is 3rd edition published in 1975 Lots of science info although lots on starting seeds, cuttings, grafting. 7th edition (new) is over $100. although you can find older edition ones for less than $20. For the information you will want, the older editions are perfectly fine.

Unfortunately, all of my cuttings are stuck all the way to the bottom and probably touch the plastic. Live and learn. I'll report how they do.

Also, it was obvious this morning that my peat/perlite mix was not wet enough. The pot in each chamber was completely empty. Filled them up and misted the cuttings again. I will watch them carefully today (Day 2).

Still having fun!
Carol

This is new little growth on a varigated sedum in one of the small cups - maybe two ounce:

And a little tiny root

One of the variegated plants

And this one was interesting. I thought it was a salvia, but may not be - roots in the cup

and roots above the cup - it may be ready to repot and move out of the chamber soon.

I am glad this is still rocking along. I just happened to stumble on the link in a folder on my desk top that was labeled "Shortcuts seldom used". I couldn't tell you why I was poking around in there, but I am glad I did.

This thing made it into a college textbook. It just astonishes me! Thanks for all the nice thoughts.

~janie (little_dani)

lights are raised for photo taking

I just water the saucer and draws it up as needed , the same in the tray flats

I took these salvia wendys wish cuttings from cuttings over this winter,, took only 10 days to root , these guys root and grow really fast.