Rooting in Straight Perlite
- Thread starter Rojo
- Start date
TorontoJoe
Administrator
I've tried straight perlite a few times.(with lignified cuttings) In every case the cuttings rooted perfectly however, they would all die on first pot up. I think the perlite was so much different than any medium and the humidity was so different that it was a shock to the roots.
I have never done it with shoots. I would be very interested in seeing the results.
I have never done it with shoots. I would be very interested in seeing the results.
That is how I rooted 75% of mine. It worked pretty well. I use clear drink cups with a clear lid with a hole in it. I get mixed results with perlite. Some cuttings take off quickly and others just sit there and some root, but root slowly. I also tried rooting in pro mix and have had, so far 100 % success. Those are just clear punch cups so small but great for rooting cuz it’s not to big. I cut holes in all of my cups for drainage. I have rooted 12 in perlite so far with 1 dud cutting thus far and 30 still going in perlite. I have another 8 in promix. I think I will try promix on the next 3 I have coming in.
RosyPosy
Well-known member
Yes, people have tried this. Researchers have also tried it. Rooting in straight perlite is very hard without something to supply consistent moisture. Water only wicks up so far as well. Having an addition of something water retentive helps, even if you have a high perlite ratio.
Also, researchers found that while they get quicker root initiation with perlite, the plants grow slower and can have poorer health. This is because there is nothing in perlite to hold nutrients. What the researchers landed on was 50/50 perlite & peat as being the ideal fig rooting ratio.
I did my own experiments this last winter with different 50/50 combos with perlite, and I found 50/50 peat to perlite best with 50/50 coco coir to perlite being a very close 2nd best. The 50/50 perlite to vermiculite and the 50/50 perlite to sand all rooted, but I can’t say they were the healthiest. It was also harder to keep them adequately watered.
It should also be noted that it is a lot harder to up pot rooted cuttings from a medium of all particles, such as perlite. It has a tendency to fall apart and hurts the root system.
scott_va
Well-known member
I have rooted in straight vermiculite, but it was a long time ago so my memory is hazy. I recall problems with keeping adequate moisture levels even with surface misting and issues with uppotting since the vermiculite just falls apart. They were mostly one nodes. No gnat problems or rot, though.
Rojo
Well-known member
Thanks to everyone for their responses. Seems just establishing roots is not enough. The video didn't show up potting successes just root development. I have a few vigorous figs growing in the ground that don't set figs. We will get a experiment going with nothing to loose so to speak. I have a few pressing projects going right now the biggest is doing a DOD Delete on my 2009 Silverado. It's almost "Can of Worms" status. Seems to do anything right these days on later model vehicles it's more undoing the "New & Improved" than actual previous design failures. I sure wish they would go back to testing design changes at the Factories! Todays Manufacturers of vehicles test their changes on the Crash Dummies - Us.
GoodFriendMike
Moderator
Rooting in straight perlite is easy. But as others have said. Up-potting is the issue.
I find the perlite around the cutting and roots dries out fast. Your soil may be moist but
your roots are not getting the moisture.
When going to up-pot you would need to carefully remove most of the perlite and then carefully
pot the cutting using a dry medium. Then water it in. A lot of work trying to not damage the roots.
I don't recommend it.
I find the perlite around the cutting and roots dries out fast. Your soil may be moist but
your roots are not getting the moisture.
When going to up-pot you would need to carefully remove most of the perlite and then carefully
pot the cutting using a dry medium. Then water it in. A lot of work trying to not damage the roots.
I don't recommend it.
Motherwise
Well-known member
I tried using a layer of perlite to the bottom of the cup which worked for one member - but didn’t for me - it created a barrier which made the water pool above it. That didn’t seem logical but the wet roots proved otherwise.
FignaciousC
New member
Guess we will be finding out together soon. Was leaning on AI before now, and this is what it said was best for moisture-sensitive cuttings. After some pushback, it doesn't seem to be so sure of itself anymore. At one week, all I can do is ride it out. Pictured: Craven's Craving, I-258, Sucrette, and Portugese Express. Fig Slurpee anyone?
They look like little imperial storm troopers,
FignaciousC
New member
Lol. Made me think of the "Parkay" ("Butter") ads from the 80's and 90's. Some of the nodal spacing is pretty long, so wanted something taller. Thought slurping lids would add height, while minimizing surface area. Trying to keep top 1/2" perlite dry. Cups elevated 1/2" by plastic caps inside outer cups. Keeping just enough water in bottom of outer cup to cover bottom. Adding moisture when necessary by misting inside of outer cup with 1/4 strength 3% hydrogen peroxide, which never contacts inside inner cup. If it fails, it won't be due to rot, by golly... Should have some Raspberry Latte on the way. Might try this, fig pop, and straight-pot, side-by-side-by-side, just to see.
Rojo
Well-known member
I always like science experiments! You will find out what works for you for sure.......I'm known on another Forum as a Mad Scientist myself.