Hi Guys: I need help I took cuttings from my mothers florist Azalea. how shall I root it? in Water or soil. Bottom Heat? HELP!!!
Hello K, I always do both (if I have enough cuttings). If you have any with a "heel" on the end of the cutting, I would suggest using some rooting powder and placing that in a mixture of seeding soil and compost. I assume that you have removed the lower leaves on the cutting. Then when giving water, give the water under the little seeding pot so that it draws the water upwards into the soil. The reason is that if you water from the top, the soil can collapse, and the rooting powder can also be washed downwards. I always use heat under the cuttings because it is known that heat aids in root formation. Many people also place the plant in a propagator or a plastic bag(closed at the top until they have established themselves (usually 2-3 weeks). If they are going to take, it should be apparent within a month at the most. One final thing: most azaleas like humidity...moisture in the air, that is-- so don't let too much dry air get to your cuttings, it could doom them.--this is especially important with the ones that you try in water only. Just put a sandwich bag over the top and make it secure with a rubber band around the top of the jar with water. You can use a straw to blow the bag up. I hope this helps. Good luck.
