Propagating Rhododendrons

How to Propagate Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons are grown commercially by semi-hardwood, nodal, heel or leaf bud cuttings in mid autumn. Stem cuttings of some hybrids have also been successfully taken in mid-winter. Plants grown from cuttings are generally free of suckering which can be common with grafted plants.

 

Cuttings are taken approximately 5 -10cm long for small leaved types up to 25cm or so for larger leaved types, with all but 2 or 3 top leaves removed. If leaves are very large, they may be cut in half. The better cutting material is taken from the more shaded parts of the stock plant. Wound the cuttings removing two 2cm slices of bark from the base of the cutting, on both sides. Remove any flower buds. Treat the cutting with a fungicide and then treat with a rooting hormone such as IBA: Indolebutyric Acid. Then plant in pots of standard propagating mix, such as peat and sand. Plants should be placed on heated trays with a bottom heat at approximately 24 degrees centigrade. Mist is also desirable. With misting and bottom heat, plants are ready to lift in approx. 10 ‑12 weeks. Some difficult varieties can take up to twice this length of time to form roots. If left in a propagating bed too long, roots usually deteriorate.

 

[22/05/2012 13:38:33]