Propagating questions! (grow, Forsythia, Hibiscus, azalea)

[Rickcin]

When propagating outdoors in July in the SW Virginia area, should the cuttings be in the sun or shade and should they be covered with a plastic bag to retain moisture or left uncovered?

From what I’ve been able to read or see on YouTube is all of these different methods are used so which is best or what are the variables as to what works best in a specific situation? Thanks

[NYC refugee]

That question is too vast. You might want to narrow it down to the plants you're trying to propagate.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

If you cover with a plastic bag and place into the sun, you will bake your cuttings into slime.

[Rickcin]

Originally Posted by NYC refugee

That question is too vast. You might want to narrow it down to the plants you're trying to propagate.

Basically Forsythia, snowball Viburnum and spirea.

[Rickcin]

Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke

If you cover with a plastic bag and place into the sun, you will bake your cuttings into slime.

Yes, plastic would be in a totally shaded area but it this better than being open and in the sun?

[unihills]

I think you would want shade. I grow lots of cactus and succulents, and even those are best propagated out of direct sun.

[Zoisite]

For outdoors in July climate at your location - all day dappled shade is ideal if it's available, full shade is next best, no direct sun until cuttings are well rooted and strong, no plastic cover, shelter from strong breezes but ensure there is plenty of air circulation and space between cuttings, check soil moisture 2 x daily (especially check in mid-afternoon at hottest time of day) and keep lightly moist at all times but not soaking wet or else it will all rot or get mold.


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[Rickcin]

Originally Posted by Zoisite

For outdoors in July climate at your location - all day dappled shade is ideal if it's available, full shade is next best, no direct sun until cuttings are well rooted and strong, no plastic cover, shelter from strong breezes but ensure there is plenty of air circulation and space between cuttings, check soil moisture 2 x daily (especially check in mid-afternoon at hottest time of day) and keep lightly moist at all times but not soaking wet or else it will all rot or get mold.


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Excellent reply, it really makes sense and I guess I’m keeping the solid too wet which leads to rot. Thanks!

[NYC refugee]

Try some powdered Rootone, too.

[gemstone1]

After 3 weeks in a slightly open ziploc bag, my tropical hibiscus cutting is doing fine in part sun. My orchid cutting is sitting on a north facing window sill and is starting to sprout after 2 weeks. Azalea and crepe myrtle cuttings from 2 years ago are ready to go in the ground....they were started indoors, under a grow LED, at 70 degrees. Next I will try geraniums, they are supposed to be easy to start from a cutting. Sometimes I use a Rootone, but not always, and the success rate seems to be about the same.

Regards
Gemstone1