An easy way to multiply your plants with minimal space required! Propagation boxes are kind of like a 'set and forget' set-up, which is what I like. They require very little maintenance, especially if your box is sealed. You can also fit a lot of cuttings into a small box, so if space is tight, you can still propagate a range of plants.
WHAT IS A 'WET-STICK' ? - Wet stick is just a name used to describe a cutting that has no foliage, just part of the stem usually with a single node and is still living.
The advantage to using the 'wet-stick' method is that plants usually spring into growing quicker, because they are in survival mode. The auxiliary bud (which is where the new plant will grow from) is exposed, so it can start growing without any restrictions.
Below are some images of basic plant anatomy for reference. When setting up your propagation box, using single node cuttings is best.
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SETTING UP YOUR 'WET-STICK' PROPAGATION BOX:
YOU WILL NEED:
Propagation box with lid (clear is best, I like to use recycled containers like pic left when I can)
Plants you want to chop
Substrate of choice (fern fibre, spagmoss and perlite work fantastic in a propbox)
Growth Technology Clonex Clone Solution or CCS for short (optional but highly recommend)
STEP ONE: Gather all the supplies you need and decide what plants you'd like to propagate.
STEP TWO: Take your cuttings of your selected plants. You can either just do one variety of plant per box or a random selection. Just note, once foliage is removed it can sometimes be difficult to remember what is what, especially when plants start to grow, usually they'll start with a juvenile leaf (if your cutting is mature). If that doesn't bother you then a mixed box is always a fun surprise :)
STEP THREE: Remove all foliage from your cuttings and cut them into single node cuttings.
STEP FOUR: Set cuttings aside to callus over and move on to getting your propbox sorted. If using spagmoss, pre-soak in water to rehydrate, you can also add some CCS to the water for added nutrients for the cuttings. If using fern fibre or perlite, add them to your box in an even layer, about 4-6cm thick and moisten with water. You can also add CCS to your water if you'd like.
STEP FIVE: Nestle your cuttings into the substrate. If you can, it is best to place the aerial roots facing down (if any) and the auxiliary bud facing up. This just keeps the bud free from any obstruction as it activates and starts to grow as well as keeping the aerial roots in contact with the moist substate.
STEP SIX: Close up your container, label & date so you know what cutting you took and when you did it. If it is a mixed box of cuttings you don't have to label if you don't want too.
STEP SEVEN: Pop your propagation box in a warm and bright position (not direct sun as this may burn any new emerging leaves) and basically leave it alone.
Being a clear container makes it easy to check on your propagations without having to remove the lid. There are mixed opinions on whether you should open the lid frequently or not. I personally find it doesn't really matter if you do or if you don't.
If your container is sealed, they shouldn't need watering very often at all, maybe once a month, but if your container has holes, it will dry out a lot quicker, so be sure to keep an eye on it, you don't want your cuttings drying out.
Once your cuttings have about 2-3 leaves and visible roots at the bottom of the container, you should be good to go at potting them up into their individual pots, to keep growing them on into their own plants. If you have a bigger clear box, you can keep the newly planted up baby plants in the box until they establish themselves, then transition them out into a normal household growing environment.
I don't particularly bother doing this, but you can sometimes loose a plant or two due to the shock of the sudden drop in humidity, this is something you can way-up if it's worth it or not to you.
I like to water newly potted up cuttings in with my two, go-to products and that is (say it with me now!) Growth Technology CCS & GT Rootzone, I feel like I am a broken record with these two but honestly when you find something that works, you just gotta! Keep them moist for a week or so after repotting to help with the transition, then you'll be good to treat them as you would a normal plant.
I hope you find this blog helpful, if you have any questions leave them below and I will be sure to answer them for you. Happy growing!
-Kate
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