Propagation: Perlite only or Perlite/Soil mix?
Propagation: Perlite only or Perlite/Soil mix?
With your leaf cuttings, do you start them out in straight perlite or do you give them some soil for nutrients?
Re: Propagation: Perlite only or Perlite/Soil mix?
I use 80% pumice, 20% sandy topsoil for all cuttings.
See my current wanted lists here: http://www.u.arizona.edu/~mdpillet/cr.html and http://www.u.arizona.edu/~mdpillet/en.html.
Re: Propagation: Perlite only or Perlite/Soil mix?
Is the topsoil for nutrients, moisture retention, or both?
Re: Propagation: Perlite only or Perlite/Soil mix?
The pumice has no cation exchange capacity to speak of, so the topsoil will hold more nutrients. It does provide more moisture retention than the pumice, but my main reason is for surface area for more fine root attachment. I really don't water any cuttings beyond a slight misting every week in the evening.
See my current wanted lists here: http://www.u.arizona.edu/~mdpillet/cr.html and http://www.u.arizona.edu/~mdpillet/en.html.