Algae Growth in Water Rooting

bushdoctor82

bushdoctor82

Well-known member
I’ve had this cutting rooting in water since Christmas and over the last week roots appear to be forming as well as a black algae looking slime. I’ve tried to wash it off in the sink, but the roots also get knocked off in the process. I’ve also sprayed the cutting with hydrogen peroxide to no avail. Is this algae detrimental, and if so what reasonable measures should be taken?

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bushdoctor82 said:
I’ve had this cutting rooting in water since Christmas and over the last week roots appear to be forming as well as a black algae looking slime. I’ve tried to wash it off in the sink, but the roots also get knocked off in the process. I’ve also sprayed the cutting with hydrogen peroxide to no avail. Is this algae detrimental, and if so what reasonable measures should be taken?

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When rooting in water do you have to change the water, if so how often?
 
I think as a general rule the water is supposed to be changed every day or two at most.

I don't think algea on its own is that bad, as long as it isn't actually rotting. It's rot that indicates that life is leaving the cutting.

It is a bit difficult to tell wet. Is the bark still holding on tightly or does it slip off easily? If yes, that's a bad sign. I think one think you have going for you here is the size of the cutting. It should have lots of reserves

Are you using chlorinated water? Some will say this is detrimental but you get less algea and other microbial growth so for things like this I think it can be helpful over say, spring, well or distilled.
 
I just had a little lightbulb pop up over my head 💡

I used to have brutal algea problems with my hydroponic system. On some advice I added a one of those air stones and pump like are used in aquariums. It immediately fixed the problem. I don't know how practical it is, but if you can get air bubbling into your rooting water, I'd bet it would help.
 
TorontoJoe said:
I think as a general rule the water is supposed to be changed every day or two at most.

I don't think algea on its own is that bad, as long as it isn't actually rotting. It's rot that indicates that life is leaving the cutting.

It is a bit difficult to tell wet. Is the bark still holding on tightly or does it slip off easily? If yes, that's a bad sign. I think one think you have going for you here is the size of the cutting. It should have lots of reserves

Are you using chlorinated water? Some will say this is detrimental but you get less algea and other microbial growth so for things like this I think it can be helpful over say, spring, well or distilled.
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No signs of any rot, just some black algae/slime covering what I hope is the beginning of roots forming on the growths - it’s much easier to see when submerged in water.

The smallest cuttings I tried rooting in water have all succumbed and only the cuttings 3/4” and larger are prevailing at this point.

I am using tap water and after looking at the towns water quality report has a chlorine concentration of 0.2ppm.

I’ll look into the air stone idea.
 
You can try an anti fungal additive in the water.
Also chamomile tea is supposed to have anti fungal properties.
I had tried this in the past, and they did root.
But my up potting was not so successful.
 
ktrain said:
You can try an anti fungal additive in the water.
Also chamomile tea is supposed to have anti fungal properties.
I had tried this in the past, and they did root.
But my up potting was not so successful.
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Your suggestion made me think about honey. Some people use honey as a rooting hormone also it’s antibacterial, would that work?
 
I do believe it has anti fungal properties, but I have never used it for cuttings.
Not sure if that would work or not.
 
Don’t add anything to the water. 🙂 Just use clean water.

Those white bumps are the debris from lenticels underneath them, they aren’t roots. They do change color after a while, that’s normal.

I don’t change the water every day. I only change it if it’s getting cloudy and that’s usually because the bottom has rotted and needs to be cut off.

I’m not sure about the algae growth, it’s hard for me to make out in the pictures. I would only worry about it if it’s slimey. I don’t think it is detrimental at this time.
 
I have rooted in water only and water with an additive, both work...If you continue to have this issue you might want to try something to negate it.
People have different results, using different water, tap water from a well or city water with chemicals in it.....distilled water...these things can have an impact as well.
 
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