Plant Cuttings for Cucumber Magnolias

Preparation

• Any container is suitable for rooting as long as it has a drainage hole in the bottom. For example, a flower pot, plastic seed tray or the bottom of a plastic milk jug are all suitable. Fill the container with a loose, well-drained mixture such as equal parts peat, perlite, and either bark or vermiculite. The cuttings benefit when a small amount -- about 1/2 teaspoon -- of general purpose fertilizer is mixed into the soil at planting time. Before planting the cuttings, moisten the potting mixture until it is evenly damp but not dripping.

Cuttings

• Morning is prime time for taking cuttings because the stems are plump and well-hydrated. Stems measuring 2 to 4 inches taken from the current year's growth usually root easily. At this stage, the cuttings are flexible but firm enough to snap when bent. Be sure the cucumber magnolia is healthy and actively growing, because weak growth is more susceptible to fungal diseases. Use a sharp, sterile knife or pruners to make each cut just above a node -- a small bump where leaves or buds grow from the stem -- then remove leaves and side shoots from the stems. If you aren't ready to plant the cuttings immediately, place them in a plastic bag and store them in a cool place for up to two hours.

Planting

• Although rooting hormone isn't absolutely required, dipping the bottom of the stem in liquid, powdered or gel rooting hormone greatly increases rooting success. Similarly, removing a small sliver of bark at the base of the stem aids rooting by increasing the uptake of water and nutrients into the stem. Plant the stems in the moist potting mixture, allowing 2 to 3 inches between each stem so the leaves don't overlap. Firm the potting mixture around the cuttings so the stems stand upright.

Care

• During the rooting process, it's critical to check the potting mixture daily to ensure that the stems remain lightly moist but never soggy. Alternatively, you can can cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a warm, moist greenhouse environment. To prevent excess buildup of moisture and the possibility of rot, open the bag for 10 minutes at least twice every week. Cuttings root best when exposed to normal room temperatures and bright, indirect sunlight. Remove the plastic when new growth indicates the cutting has rooted, usually within two weeks. By the following spring, the new plants are ready to move to their permanent home in your garden.