Are you patiently (or not so patiently like me) waiting for your plant cuttings to sprout roots, but all you’re seeing is… well, nothing? Propagating plants can be an exciting journey, but it’s also a process that comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re a pro plant parent or just starting out, it’s truly frustrating when those fresh cuttings just refuse to root.
But don’t worry guys because there’s usually a reason (or a few) why your propagation isn’t going as planned, and once you figure it out, you’ll be back on track in no time!
So today that is why we’re diving into the most common reasons why your propagation might be stalling. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a small tweak to your method, but other times, it could be something a bit more complex like the time of year or the environment you’re providing.
From light levels and humidity to the way you’re handling those delicate cuttings, a lot of factors come into play when trying to grow roots. And let’s face it my friends… plants can be picky!
We’re breaking down everything you need to know in easy-to-follow tips so you can diagnose what might be going wrong. We’ll cover topics like whether you’re using the right medium, if you’re cutting at the right spot, and even if you’re just being a bit too impatient (we’ve all been there).
By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to troubleshoot your propagation process, helping you go from sad, rootless cuttings to thriving new plants. Let’s dig in and get those roots growing!
Why Isn’t My Propagation Growing Roots?
Reasons that your propagation isn’t forming roots:
Improper Cutting: If the cutting isn’t taken correctly, it may struggle to root. Ensure you use sharp, clean scissors to make a clean cut just below a node. This helps the plant to channel its energy into root production.
If you didn’t cut a node that alone will guarantee it won’t root so just be cautious right off the bat!
Lack of Moisture: Propagations need consistent moisture. If the cutting is too dry, it won’t develop roots. Keep the medium (like pebbles or soil) consistently moist but not waterlogged to encourage root growth.
This is why you will find me primarily just propagating in water. Because the amount of moisture that is needed to grow roots is challenging to keep up with in other options for propagation.
Insufficient Light: Without enough light, the cutting won’t have the energy needed to produce roots. Bright, indirect light is best for most cuttings. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the cutting (aka what I like to call a sun burn), while too little light can slow root development.
Struggling to tell if light is the issue? Well if the existent leaves are drooping severely and watering isn’t the problem then it’s almost certainly that your propagation isn’t getting enough light to survive much less the more streneous task of growing roots.
And on the other hand if your propagation is getting too much or too bright of light it can also be straining too hard to keep up with the light which will hinder growth. The tell tale sign of too much (or too bright of) light is scorched leaf edges. If the edge looks crispy and brown that’s it basically being sunburnt by light. So move your propagation to somewhere with less light or put a different/or add a filtering curtain to your window treatment.
Wrong Medium: Different plants root better in different mediums. While some cuttings thrive in water, others need soil or a mix of perlite and peat moss. Using the wrong medium can hinder root growth. A quick google search should ensure that you know before starting the propagation what medium you should be using for that specific plant.
Temperature Issues: Propagations prefer warm, consistent temperatures. If it’s too cold, the cutting may become dormant or rot instead of growing roots. A temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C) is ideal for most plants.
Along with this, make sure that your plant is not near any air vents/ AC / heating units that can cause extreme temperature swings near them. Same with anything that would blow non-room temperature air on the propagation as well.
Inadequate Humidity: High humidity is often crucial for successful propagation. If the air is too dry, cuttings may struggle to retain moisture and, as a result, fail to root. Consider using a humidity dome or misting your propagations regularly.
Poor Timing: The time of year affects rooting success. Spring and summer are the best times for propagation because plants are in active growth. In fall and winter, plants slow down, making it harder for cuttings to root.
It’s not a guarantee for growth (or failure) during the seasons above but it could definitely be the reason if nothing else seems to make sense for your plant propagation not growing roots. So if it’s fall or winter keep that in mind!
Disease or Rot: If the cutting is diseased or begins to rot, it won’t root. Signs include browning, mushy stems, or an unpleasant odor. Sterilize your tools and remove any rotting portions immediately.
Improper Node Exposure: Roots typically emerge from nodes. If the node is not submerged in water or properly buried in soil, the cutting won’t root. Make sure at least one node is in contact with your rooting medium.
This includes making sure to add water frequently if the only node on the cutting is up higher.
Using Too Much Fertilizer: Adding fertilizer too early can burn tender roots or prevent them from forming altogether. Cuttings don’t need additional nutrients until they’ve established a strong root system.
Lack of Patience: Rooting can take time depending on the plant type. Some plants root in a week, while others can take months. Consistency and patience are key—don’t give up too soon! I would also say on average it’s at least 3 weeks so definitely be patient and don’t give up until it’s been at least 4 months.
Contaminated Water or Soil: Using dirty water or old, unsterilized soil can introduce pathogens that inhibit root growth. Always start with fresh, clean water or sterile soil to give your cuttings the best chance of success.
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