Benichidori softwood propagation

[Noulinator]

Hello!

I saw a youtube video on softwood propation on japanese maples.

Decided to try on my benichidori. I used rooting hormone gel and planted in two different substrates.
1: 100 % vermiculite
2: 50 % vermiculite 50 % perlite

Keeping them in an indoors mini greenhouse

Very excited to see if I have any luck.
Any tips or someone out there trying the same?

 

[Jrmcmich]

You plan to keep these covered with plastic or something similar? Feel like they will dry out quickly if not covered. Also wonder if vermiculite will remain too wet but at least you can compare. I have Done perlite/coco coir mix for cuttings although my success rate is probably 30% so not great

 

[Noulinator]

You plan to keep these covered with plastic or something similar? Feel like they will dry out quickly if not covered. Also wonder if vermiculite will remain too wet but at least you can compare. I have Done perlite/coco coir mix for cuttings although my success rate is probably 30% so not great

Yes they are inside a mini greenhouse like this one:

 

[Noulinator]

Yes they are inside a mini greenhouse like this one:


Are you also doing japanese maple cuttings?

 

[andrewiles]

It's a good first try but unfortunately I think your odds of success are low.

Two main issues:

1. You've taken the cuttings too soon. The leaves need to finish growing and build up some energy reserves before you strike them. Your leaves have little energy and will lose water very fast because they are not yet hardened off.
2. With maples you'll be much more successful if you take cuttings from very vigorous shoots. Typically long leaders at the apex of your stock material. These have more energy. Your cuttings are healthy but they are not vigorous. They are likely too weak to last long enough to produce roots.

If they fail you'll know soon enough. They'll wilt and dessicate. As long as they stay turgid you've got a chance.