Around 4 months ago, I cut the top off a Norfolk Island Pine. I placed it in soil and bagged it with plenty of water. Put it in the shaded area of the house. It 'looks' like its doing great. There isnt any brown areas on it. I have taken it out of the bag and placed it in the sunshine to see what it will do. If anyone has any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated. I have no clue to what Im doing here, I just took a chance and put the top in soil. moderator's note: split this post into it's own topic
KatiLou, I tried to root several NIP tip cuttings yrs ago and sought the help of a local horticulturist. He said it would probably be difficult if not impossible to root them if the conditions weren't right. Seeds might be a better and easier way to go. Unfortunately, none of my cuttings rooted :'( although they looked great for about a month or so, nice and full and green. Your odds on getting a cutting to root is to use softwood cuttings vs hardwood. Set rooting cuttings in a bright "shaded" spot. Direct sun can burn them to a crisp, especially un-rooted ones. It doesn't hurt to try and root a cutting though, you may just get lucky Best of luck!
The reason I was trying to start this one was because it was my boyfriends Moms who just passed away a few months ago. They used to decorate the tree every year and its very old, or was. We had a choice of cutting the top and try to re-root it or not do anything at all as we couldn't fit it into the car to transport it back home. As of today its still just as green, but I'm afraid to pull it out and see if there is something going on or not... All that Ive read states its next to near impossible.
I sure hope your top cutting makes it. It is obviously a special plant to you. Have faith and give it TLC. The very best of luck.
Thank you Kay, I'm doing my very best and I will add that I don't have a very green thumb. But I did get tangerine seeds to grow when I was told that wouldn't happen. So who knows. One can only try.
I think watering will be key. There is a fine line between too much and too little. Pay special attention to the soil. You should poke your finger down into the soil a few inches before you water. If it is wet, wait a while, but not till it dries out completely. And it probably is liking the sunshine. In another month or so, if you see new growth, you could provide some water soluble fertilizer. Just be sure to read the directions, and remember more is not better with fertilizers. Sounds like so far-so good...
I know it can be a big temptation to see if a cutting has grown any roots (I'm guilty of that) but I wouldn't disturb it. You'll know it has rooted when you see new growth on top, also, with a gentle tug, there will be some resistants.
I used these instructions and got 4 of 8 arborvitae to root. I hope yours is doing well. http://www.gardenguides.com/102062-root ... tting.html
