Bob Beer
BB:1) In the experience of people here who have propagated from
BB:cuttings, which roots better, the tip cutting or the ones farther down?
I think that they all root about the same, but a rule of thumb is
to use the growth which is not actively growing (which would mean
further down) - but I get close to 100% in all cases (when I
don't, I usually know why). Some people say that the newer growth
is better, but, unless the cutting has gone "woody", I really don't
notice a difference.
BB:2) Do you use a hormone? (I plan to)
I usually use a hormone, sometimes not; when I do, I use an
intermediate strength (for plants that are slightly difficult to
start, but not as strong as for very difficult plants - I have this
set of hormone powders that comes in six strengths, and I use
number three). Sometimes I use a liquid hormone mix called KLN, a
concentrate sold as liquid and mixed a teaspoon to a gallon (I
bought a quart of it and now keep it in a green, sealed bottle held
near the freezing elements in my refrigerator; green glass means
iron in the glass, which absorbs ultraviolet, should any
ultraviolet rays strike the container - at a teaspoon a gallon, I
must keep it fresh for a long, long time). This liquid hormone is
used alone, with no powders, and it works very well (it must be
mixed with distilled water, though - I am not sure why, but tap
water does seem to reduce the efficacy (or maybe I just had bad
luck that time).
BB:3) I have read that if I take cuttings off upper growth, all growth
BB:thereafter will be upper growth as well. Makes sense. But I have also
BB:heard that there is a way to get them to produce lower pitchers again.
BB:Will the axilarry buds on upper growth produce lower pitchers?
I think it is necessary to stunt the plant to get it to revert -
really stress it, and nearly kill it, and juvenile growth may come
forth (it may come from the axillary buds - ask Andreas Wistuba
about that; she is the expert here).
-Douglas Wiggins zoron@nwcs.org, Portland, Oregon
--- * OLX 2.2 TD * Lampwork for Aromatherapy & Perfume Retail Counters--- * OLX 2.2 TD * Custom Glassblowing - Testers for Perfume Sales