How Often do I Water My Cuttings in the Propagation Frame for High Rooting Success

People ask me how often I water my cuttings. Well, here's the answer. As little as possible. Watering rooted cuttings frequently is completely unnecessary and can lead to rot in the propagation frame. Proper care of your cuttings is essential to success but it isn't difficult and doesn't include a lot of water. This is one of the most crucial aspects which will determine if you're cutting will turn into a healthy plant or not.
Go to the website: propagateplant...
Check out my Wife's Channel: bit.ly/3hfX8fk
Products I Use Frequently:
Hormodin #3 Rooting Powder: amzn.to/3n5F9tS
Clonex Rooting Gel: amzn.to/37WqhJF
Dip N Grow Rooting Liquid: amzn.to/2WXIU9Q
Corona Shears: amzn.to/2WUS2Mt
Leaf Trimming Shears: amzn.to/38KrVxt
Orchard Lopper: amzn.to/2Jt5pAo
Propagation Tote: amzn.to/34WIdlB
Propagation Dome and Heat Mat Combo: amzn.to/37WqHQf
Indoor Grow Light: amzn.to/2WSxJiT
Grow Tent: amzn.to/37X01Pj
Heavy Duty Heat Mat: amzn.to/3hyTAoV
Instagram: / mike.kincaid
Propagation Group: / 346884795717132
Facebook: / kincaidsnursery
Twitter: / kincaidmj

[@susanlibbey7560]

After watching this video, I went and bought a storage box (with a clear cover of course) and planted some cuttings. Filled that box, and bought 4 more! Followed your directions to the TTTTT, and I am proud to say I have a 95 success rate! THANK YOU! Oh, I planted my cuttings May 22nd of this year, I checked one of the cups and there are roots forming!!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome, Susan! Glad to hear of your success! What kind of plants are you propagating?

[@truthfinder6932]

I did too, but all died. I must not have the timing right. I took cuttings in May. Tote is all cleaned and ready to try again this year.

[@jarretv5438]

@Handsome Wade Brody Jr. I think he just means air in general not an air flow

[@jamielynnhamlin-hammoudeh7220]

Dude, you just changed my life. It finally clicks! Thanks 💚

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome! Glad to assist in learning process. Have fun in the garden!!!

[@southpark5555]

Just think of all those cuttings that are now going to be saved - due to golden teaching like this. Thumbs up from me.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks for the support!

[@nichmon3221]

I've researched many pages and videos to know HOW MUCH water to give my cuttings. Up until now, I was still confused, as I was getting different answers and knew that other plants needed water. This is the best video I've seen about it. I am no longer confused, since you explained that they don't need to be in water (at the bottom of the cutting) since they have no roots yet,...that the only thing they need is moisture ABOVE THE SOIL. Thank you. That's an eye opener and helped my brain visualize what to do.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome! So glad to help.

[@kurx9745]

Thank u for your video. Love your video everything u said is true . U are a perfect example me and my husband love u take care !!!

[@venusdimples556]

I can't like this video enough. This is so true. I have a whole graveyard of dead cuttings cuz I watched this other video (from another channel) that said I needed to water them every day. So my cuttings were doing great on the first week, then I saw that video and started watering every day, and my cuttings just started dying off one by one. It broke my heart! I mean, they were all doing great until I started watering them every day! The cuttings which I stuck directly to the ground and forgot about are now big plants, they all thrived. So he's right-- just walk away and forget about it, you'll be surprised what mother nature can do. :)

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's it exactly!

[@Twinleo1]

We are still having temps in the 90s and I worry they are too hot since they are all sad and droopy looking now so I took the lids off during the day for better air flow and put them back on at night. I’m not sure if that’s the right way to do it. They are not in direct light, but I wish they were looking better.

[@kekoa1843]

In searching for “How To’s” in cloning, out of the dozen or more vids I watched, not one adequately covered watering! Thanks. (I just hope my last watering won’t be the last straw for my cuttings!)

[@MikeKincaid79]

me too

[@juneramirez8580]

If you think they are too wet open the cover to evaporate the excess water then close again.

[@asal66]

Another good video from Mike. I would like to add that cuttings are very sensitive to pH. Most people who use tap water will have an alkaline pH. The ideal pH for most cuttings to root is acidic, between 5.5 to 6. Acidic pH also prevent molds and promoteq root development

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds like good advice

[@powerfulnature5065]

Use filter water or boil water ????

[@williemarroquin2965]

So many videos out there that show the steps for plant propagation but very few that answer the practical questions such as these. Thanks for the help! 👌

[@MikeKincaid79]

You are very welcome Willie!

[@steveroberts9735]

I just watched videos on propagating hrdranrgias and planted a cutting. After watching this video I just learned I did it all wrong. You should have more subscribers in my opinion with this kind of quality info.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Steve, thanks a lot for the really positive comment! Welcome to the family of gardeners we have here. If you have any questions, just ask.

[@englandrose1]

Using these storage boxes is such a genius idea! I started using them after seeing your video about the hug point hydrangea cuttings. I started with one box and then two boxes and then there was a sale on them so now i have FIVE! All neatly stacked by the back door The other half isn't impressed but he can sod off, i'm over the mooooon! I have literally hundreds of successful cuttings now and hundreds more on the go.

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's awesome James! I was the same way in the beginning. I'd walk through Walmart and just stare at all the totes thinking about cuttings. To this day, every time I see a clear container whether it's glass, plastic, square, or round I'm always thinking about how I can turn it into a propagation unit. Drives my wife crazy!

[@MissBehaving888]

I leaned from Mike's videos to use tubs as greenhouses and plastic cups as little pots. Thank you Mike

[@jayrussell7]

servant of Jesus I got one from Lowes

[@MikeKincaid79]

@servant of Jesus Got mine from Walmart a few years back. Haven't seen them there since but like Jay Russell said, you can find some nice ones at Lowes.

[@philippesmetsroma]

don't u need to do very small holes in the plastic top ? how do you know that the cuttings are ready to take it off the box ?

[@ekadian4277]

I live in indonesia. Only 2 weather type which is summer and rainy. No snow. Here it is so easy to do cuttings like mint, rosemary, basil, chives, oregano, thyme and all . I must water it a lot on that cutting like everyday because the weather is always hot here. I have never used that kinda box being closed for dew days. So I just put them in my garage/terrace with a roof. It grows okay though. It gets fresh air. I love gardening.

[@viet862]

Unfortunately the tropical rain poured n drowned my cuttings on the flower bed. Replanted onto a pot and shifted it under a shade until it grows root and strong.

[@mikedoingmikethings702]

We as novice gardeners seem to resort to watering whenever there's a problem or just because we are bored LOL another great video! Thanks Mike!!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

True, lol. Our poor cuttings are getting water boarded on a daily basis, haha.

[@mikedoingmikethings702]

@@MikeKincaid79 LMAO growing up in a small Island, we were pushed into the water when we were kids and we either swim or sink... I'm alive aren't I? hahaha I think I'm subconsciously reinforcing the bad habits lol

[@everettedl]

I agree entirely. I don't even use a tote, I just use nursery pots with drainage holes in them and a soda bottle dome. I water them once, put the dome on, set them under a patio chair, and come back in 6 weeks or whenever I see new growth. I've even left them out over the winter when there was visible frost and it survived.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds like you've got a good system down.

[@gardenofedencoltd..3048]

Thanks Bro. I've lost more cuttings when watering every day l lost more than 500stevia plants. You just change my life. Thanks

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad to help, Dave!

[@kateashby3066]

I’m a succulent farmer and for those cutting they don’t want ANY water since they’re full of it already. Now that I’m branching out I’m so glad I watched this or else I would have been inclined to take cuttings and not give them any water and they’d probably dry up and die. Thanks!! Gunna try this now :)

[@daym8]

Can slightly moistening the soil encourage root growth from the stem of a beheaded small succulent of 2cms? The medium I have used is Peat and is of a soft medium.

[@albertareid8776]

By the way Mike my plants are fine now, thanks so much

[@littlemissy8356]

Even after they get roots and should be at this time in regular soil, you still have to be really careful not to over water. I over watered a couple and they fell over quick. I like the info he gives.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks so much!

[@yunggloboxing4718]

Out of 100 videos your the only guy out here giving out great knowledge on cutting and how to grow them roots correctly 🪴🙏🏽

[@MikeKincaid79]

I appreciate that. My goal is to help you become successful!

[@Tina06019]

Thank you so much, Mike. We have to attempt to get cuttings from the ONE blueberry bush (out of eleven bushes) that we have that is actually producing enough blueberries to be worth all the effort we (mostly my husband) has put into the project. We have no idea how old these bushes are, other than that they were here, and smothered with random vines, when we bought this house in 2008. I spent a ton of money on just 3 new blueberry plants early this summer (late May) - one I bought from a local nursery, just because they had been kind enough to direct me to Gurney's, from which I ordered the 2 "Elizabeth" blueberry bushes I really wanted. (The "Elizabeth" blueberry was developed for this part of the country, so I don't know why the local nursery doesn't carry them, but I try hard to support local businesses --- especially when they go out of their way to help me find someone ELSE to buy from. The next week, I went back and spent about $55 on an unusual purple rhodedendron from them, even though by that time it looked pretty unimpressive, being at the end of its flowering period. So they really did benefit from giving good customer service.)

[@MsLouisVee]

Thank you you have no idea how many plant lives you just saved🌱🌱🌱

[@MikeKincaid79]

Lol

[@SurfviewTV]

Great video. I'm guilty of over watering. So, this hit home. I like your focus on keeping the humidity high without keeping the soil medium sopping wet. Well done!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome, thanks for watching!

[@scrapbookgirl61]

I haven't watered mine since I planted them.

[@SurfviewTV]

Mike Kincaid, Your video inspired me. I have been pruning my Moringa Oleifera PKM1 hybrid plants and attempting to get the cuttings to grow in containers outside in the Phoenix Arizona heat. Needless to say, despite some early growth by letting them start off the first week in the house in a window soaking partially in rooting compound water, when I planted them outside, they got dehydrated. So, since see your video and you mentioning the importance of humidity, I covered the 10 gallon and 20 gallon containers with turkey basting bags (2/$1 at Dollar General) and kitchen 17gallon twist tie trash bags respectively and putting those over bamboo sticks to keep the bags from hitting the cuttings, and putting the well soaked containers in mostly shade, the new cuttings are doing well in the make-shift terrariums. I'm optimistic that they will continue to grow more leaves and once its apparent that roots have formed, I will take off the bags and put them in full sun. But, for now, I'm very glad to not have to (over)water them each day and to not have them shrivel up due to dehydration. Your video, Mike is what got me to thinking about how to keep up the humidity. (Especially in Phoenix where the humidity is often 20% or lower.) Thanks again.

[@Crlpope]

I water when the leaf starts to droop and only enough to make the soil moist not wet!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds about right.

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

Thanks, I have been killing a lot of cuttings. Maybe now they will be successful.

[@MikeKincaid79]

You can do it, I've got faith in you!

[@LaurenceReeves]

Did you do it?

[@hhunta]

if you do water them a few days in, only mist with a sprayer "lightly" then keep the lid off and the light off until they dry. then clean the lid on the inside and remist lightly. Do not do this everyday. Just maybe once 4 to 5 days in.

[@MikeKincaid79]

It will definitely encourage root growth.

[@jackdevine9305]

""Sir,, thankyou very much for your Clear & informative information,, because everytime i do the cuttings of my plants it's just go to waste,, & all my effort to grow plants from cuttings become useless & directly goes to garbages because of over waterring..now i know the reason why & i always remember your good advice.( from the Philippines ) thanx.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad you learned something here. Now put it to good use and make us all proud!

[@normanparker5514]

I like your youtube series. I appreciate all the wisdom you give for free. Keep up the great work with the videos. I learn by watching rather than reading. (even if the book has pictures.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Lol, I'm the same way. You can tell me something till you're blue in the face and I may or may not get it, but show it to me and I'll usually remember for a long time.

[@scrapbookgirl61]

Me too! Show me how to do it!!

[@scootin123]

Norman Parker That is me precisely except of late . I have started to read Google search stuff, like the specifics in different fruit tree training systems and the last one was. On root grafting. I'm looking for university studies, not forum comments to understand how bud formation and plant hormones work and how to manipulate the plant ( tree usually ) to conform to my plant growth desire. I ran across in a KZbin video a pruning lesson on " double sectorial pruning where a sacrificial limb is grown by pruning just above a Vertical bud . The bud is grown to a branch going straight up . In the process two lower buds develop branches as well That have larger crotch angles that grow more to a level horizontal direction. A more desirable branch then in the following dormant season the vertices branch is pruned . The video wasn't clear as too how to identify the buds as a sacrificial branch or a bud to develop as a permanent branch so far I haven't learned by reading or viewing how to identify the buds

[@frannnlife]

I’m having a go at propagating a succulent for the first time and documenting it in my channel. It looks so cool. Wish me luck!

[@MikeKincaid79]

good luck

[@cemal8123]

Would you mind explaining why and how some cuttings root in water? I guess there is more to it than what you say and more scientific exploration is needed.

[@kekoa1843]

Cemal Yalçın Good question!

[@magedwwf]

Single water propagation is different as no rotting would occur and water will be changed every couple of days while overwatering in soil lets rotting occur.. 👍

[@rameshkrishnan3254]

Roots rot even in water propagation..

[@rameshkrishnan3254]

@Ella Blun many of my hibiscus and jasmine cuttings shoot first, spend all that limited energy, fail to root and die...why cant they focus in rooting instead of "shoot"ing ....aaargh

[@Lee-mmg]

Love this info. Plants can recoup from dry easier; too wet - they rot and die.

[@misskim2058]

Thanks! I have loads to I need to plant (big areas, would cost a fortune!), and would rather maintain continuity in some areas by propagation... plus--money and stuff. This helps a lot. Thanks again:)

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad to help

[@christygunter1941]

Thank you for the information....I have always watered and ruined my cuttings. I've asked people if I need to water and NO ONE could ever answer my question.....again thank you!!!!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome, Christy! Glad you're getting some good info here to help you on your propagation journey. Thanks for hanging out with us on the channel!

[@gurisekhon]

I am using a small greenhouse like $9 and getting amazing results.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome!

[@ludwig-vi6pi]

Wow thanks for sharing I’ve planted fire stick succulents almost 3 months ago water very little maybe once every 2 weeks. I just checked again pulled one of my cuttings and no roots again starting to develop 🙄 but they are outside in the elements I going to Walmart and by those containers you have to keep the rootings in a humidity environment. I think that’s where my problem is. Thanks again I learned something today . 👊🏼

[@AmithPrahalath]

Aha. That's why my Fiddlelleaf fig cuttings kept rotting. Too much watering

[@hjd832]

Thanks for being so clear about this…I’m going to strike cuttings of Clematis Montana, Hortensia& Roses, tomorrow morning, before it gets too warm here( SWFrance, near Bergerac)….using your tote system …

[@nensisalti3213]

Thank God I'm watching your video. I almost kill my hydrangea cutting by watering them every single day. I thought they need more water than normal plant. 😩

[@MikeKincaid79]

Now you know. Glad you found the video!

[@nensisalti3213]

Yes, thank you for your video, Sir.

[@00aaa]

That was helpful and it kinda makes sense because too much water will eventually rot the cutting.I'm gonna follow this and hope my cuttings survive.I always have had a hard time propagating coleus

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds like a good idea for some videos this summer....coleus!

[@klmoll]

Just root coleus in a jar of water😊

[@susanwalkergirl]

Thanks Mike...that was one of the questions I had about starting cuttings!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad to help!

[@SAGAR-qo3gf]

You just answered my need... my cuttings died coz of excess watering... and i found you to understand what a mess i did

[@MikeKincaid79]

Happy to help!

[@sylviaflores2306]

Air and circulation....? I did this with my strawberries and they ended up moldy

[@bluebind114]

Same here. I tried this method with many cutting and ended up with moldy and fungal cuttings.

[@jmj5101]

Sprinkle some cinnamon on the soil and that would kill the fungus.

[@LeeDaiYing]

He talks about air circulation but keeps them in a tote and forgets them?

[@bhargavi368]

Thank u so much! For giving so much insight about this After seeing your vedio now I'm happy that I have now saved my cutting from over watering waiting for next 4 weeks! Thank u !!!!!!!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome, glad to help!

[@AdrianBigyes]

I have to cut my lantana plant because it goes all over the place. I'm gonna use this technique to plant the cuttings and not just throw them away.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I love that stuff. Grew up in Phoenix and we had some growing in our yard.

[@michellemurtagh7370]

Awesome I'll go easy with them thanks for that Mike ☺

[@lolorgtfomf2248]

i agree when i spray my cutting each day i notice slimey rockwool and atmos. best to leave it just moist even better almost dry, one water and sit and go

[@simonac688.]

Mike im no Pro" and learning by watching the real Pro's like You" if i can give my 2% i kind of solved the over watering problem just by putting in and around my Plants and cuttings a Hygrometer & Thermometer it gives me a good idea of whats going on ...and since have cut in half the watering and since im having better results...and bought them on line for cheap and tested each of them and compared whith my profesional Hygro &Thermometer and was impressed and was just has accurate...And since we live a happy Life 😅 Thank you

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad to hear you're having success. I like your methods. Your comment reminds me of something I heard a few years back, "If it can't be measured, it can't be managed." Good on ya, man.

[@benjaminplatt4109]

Man, I do and don't do this all the time hahaha! I overwater my cuttings and underwater my plant's and trees. I'm trying to be very water conscious though being in southern California and preparing for future droughts and further extremes in my lifetime. Blessed with a coastal property from my late parents. If you're drought conscious like I am, what I have found in my four years (basically nothing), is invest in drought TOLERANT, AND RESISTANT, heirloom seeds. MANY will die, but the ones that do survive, let them FLOWER! Harvest those seeds, and you will have champion drought-resistant varieties FOR YOUR AREA!! I did this with some Orange Amaranth on this very dry desert property and I kid you not their 10 feet tall!!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds like a smart idea!

[@CxStark]

over water your trees if you want to prepare for droughts.. huge trees eventually save you a ton of water.. an initial investment with great returns later

[@stormwalker321]

So nice of you, Mike, love your style!You have a cute personality! And also, I had an 'aha ' moment..re the humidity factor..so thanks for that!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad to get your gears turning.

[@cherylmatthews4066]

Not wet, Moist 🤪. Xx

[@MikeKincaid79]

LOL, you're having way too much fun, Cheryl. You're going to get me in trouble, haha.

[@Tommytoolsqueezer]

Thanks so much man!! Way more informative than my TAFE teachers. I was overwatering my Geraniums cuttings and I think I’m going to lose 3 or 4 because of overwatering and they’re now browning on the leaves

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad you’re learning. There’s no substitution for real life experience. Have fun!

[@gurindersinghkiom1]

Excellent explained

[@iPheek]

I just learned this recently haha my science experiments are getting closer to a final approval!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sweet! Sounds like you're on the right track.

[@personaltutor7924]

What if cutting in water propogation getting rotten

[@MikeKincaid79]

Try propagating in soil.

[@asal66]

Lower the pH of water

[@aritradasgupta8374]

@@asal66 how?

[@MdSohugkhan]

Love From Bangladesh 🇧🇩.i learned lot

[@linachenful]

The rooster is so funny.

[@geetapandey7575]

Which rooting h

[@firmansyahmaulana4223]

I laugh when he said here we go 😀

[@paulinerad2521]

Yeah love him in the beackground there

[@ajayshinz8427]

🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓

[@c.newton4787]

WOW I needed this vid a month ago. I tried to propagate some clematis and I know now they were way to wet!! All died!! Thank you. I'll be trying again!!!!!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad you figured it out. Good luck!

[@wtfn.z2441]

I made hydrangeas just spat on the end and stuck them in

[@RameshKumar-zs9rd]

Hello. I have been trying lemon and guava plants propagation through cutting but all of failed to grow root and got dejected. I think I had been over watering them and spraying water on them of anxiety go grow soon and not to let them dry. After seeing this video learned lesson and want to give a try. I am from India. Thank you

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome, glad you learned something here!

[@viet862]

Something about common sense. However most of us just did not think about. 😂

[@kokilapatel5553]

😂😂true

[@RRAMir]

Why don't we like it, at least I my self like it... because I can't find such detailed explanation about propagation of plants any where else On KZbin and off youtube, and by the way I have seen that video of hydrangea cuttings they have rooted like crazy.... good job MK... go on and keep us guiding as ALWAYS.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Your very kind comments and much appreciated. I enjoy putting out content for you.

[@oysterman2517]

Good advice. So humid is the rule. And btw, watch out for that rooster :-) Cheers

[@thetruthofthematter936]

YES! I did this! Fortunately I was able to save my hydrangeas but lost the gorgeous roses. Lesson learned

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sorry to hear about the roses. I don't have any roses personally but hear from a lot of people who are interested in propagating them. I've gotten roses to root very successfully about 8 years ago but haven't tried since as they're just not on my priority list but maybe that needs to change. I'll have to make a video about propagating roses at some point.

[@ThorKipperberg]

I have successfully propagated storebought cut roses,it was pretty easy,. you buy the cut roses and lets them do theyr thing,once they have finished blooming i snip the heads of, and cut them to cuttings, I leave the leaves on them,and plop the cuttings into the ground, and leave them there, through the spring, summer fall,and winter,. the following spring I check who has made it or not,take all brown wilted cuttings away and leave the rest,. those who then start to grow new shoots I fertilize, and leave them,until early june, then I cut the new growth back a little,this will help them bush out a little,. then nature do the rest,I have now made 12 small rose bushes from this method alone,. pretty easy,. there is probably easier ways but,for me this works charmingly well,.

[@MikeKincaid79]

That is a really really awesome idea! I'm going to have to do this myself. If I make a video about it I'll totally give you credit!

[@WeaverFamilyFarms]

Mike - I watch a lot of your videos, so far I am having my best luck in a box I made with cuttings of different kinds, it’s been close to 3 weeks. I carefully pulled out a few cuttings in my box of a few kinds, on the bottoms of some there looks like little tiny literally the size of a human hair coming out of the bottom of them. Are first roots really that small on tree cuttings first roots? Or is it just something from the potting mix you think? Thank you

[@MikeKincaid79]

If you're questioning whether or not it's a root then it's probably not. Only 3 weeks, give them more time.

[@WeaverFamilyFarms]

Mike Kincaid makes sense then! Thank you! Keep up your good work

[@crutcrutcrut]

Based on from my years of experience about keeping rare Nepenthes alive. As my place is not suitable for humidity issue. I approve all the facts he talks about in this video. You can even let the cuttings alone in an enclosed pot for a year or so, as long as you can see humidity presence in there. Just add some water after seeing humidity is dried out.

[@MikeKincaid79]

You get it! I'll bet you're super successful with cuttings too. Too much water is most people's problem when it comes to cuttings.

[@marcmattulat6585]

Hi Mike! Don't you ever open the lid and let in fresh air? Don't you ever get a fungus issue without letting in fresh air for weeks or even months? Best wishes from Berlin, Germany! Marc

[@MikeKincaid79]

This video was made at a time when I was making videos about softwood cuttings. They root really quickly and can be taken out of the tote before fungus becomes a problem. I don't recommend this method for all cuttings like semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings that take longer to root. You could open the lid for fresh air and it won't hurt anything but my main point was that I don't want people to over-water and cause rot.

[@marcmattulat6585]

Mike Kincaid Got your point! Thanks for your immediate answer! Have an awesome Sunday! Marc

[@71160000]

I'm fortunate enough to have two large hydro beds filled with clay pellets in my greenhouse. I put all my cuttings in one and the system floods the bed twice a day for a few minutes allowing the medium to dry between waterings. I pulled out several hydrangea cuttings that grew into very large plants from cuttings in a couple of months. They wouldn't even fit in one gallon containers when I pulled them out of the hydro bed. I start all sorts of plants from tomatoes to foliage house plants all from cuttings. It allows me to put trimmings to use such as when I cut back my raspberries and get new plants from the trimmings. Each year I give away things like begonias and other house plants from the cuttings I've rooted. I likely get eighty percent or better success with rootings. Some plants are bulletproof like tomatoes. Remove the lower leaves and push into the clay. Within a week or two I see new growth. Bay trees are hard to find in my area but I have one growing by my house that I planted years ago. Every few years I take a bunch of cuttings and give them away as gifts to family and friends along with fresh bay leaves that are dried for cooking use.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds awesome! I'm getting more into aeroponics and similar methods of propagating and growing on a much smaller scale. So far I'm having a lot of success with it. You're right, great method for propagating plants and your setup sounds great.

[@m1chaelang3lo40]

That rooster is great lmao

[@SirGolfalot-]

Great video. Got it. The cutting, in a sense is a stick that one is preventing from going bone dry. At least until the roots are formed. Moral of the story. Don't drown your cuttings. Create a light sauna environment.

[@MikeKincaid79]

There ya go! Not too much heat though.

[@BaeLasso]

be nice to the rooster okay?!!?!? LOL

[@hohorcslash]

Yeah yeah to d rooster! Lolz

[@necessaryproper7139]

Most useful video I’ve ever watched!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PlanetMojo]

When I saw your tote, I could tell you used a LOT more water than I use on my cuttings. I should be good 😉

[@MikeKincaid79]

LOL, glad to confirm it for you.

[@bellajadenjoy5917]

Good for you 👍

[@scrapbookgirl61]

You're my hero!! I've started 5 stem cuttings and one leaf cutting following your recommendations. They're doing great!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome! Good for you. Glad to be able to help out!

[@scrapbookgirl61]

I plan on leaving them in the box in my shed over the Michigan winter. I do that with my mini hosta collection and come back in the Spring. I don't see why this won't work for my hydrangea cuttings.

[@simeonbanner6204]

very good video. Just saying from my experience in the UK. I've done as the gentleman says but often get "Damping Off" or black foot, stem. I think some plants, seedlings are more susceptible to this. The problem is with sealing is a lack of air flow, and stagnant water etc. Perhaps I've misunderstood something. Certainly I've over watered my cuttings.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Too much water is definitely a bad thing and will cause all the problems you mentioned. A better system that doesn't have these issues near as much is the one I have perfected over the past 12 years which I give all the details to in the member's area on my website if you're interested: propagateplantslikeapro.com

[@dcs4555]

I love your style of presentation lol! I probably found your channel a while ago. but you made good sense to me. and in the last few yrs i've given angel trumpets to my kinfolk from cuttings of my 1 plant. i just watch & listen. thanx man

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ronniefuller2334]

Mike it is a joy watching you do what you love!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Ronnie, I love making these videos for you!

[@alittlebitoflight]

I'm in Western Australia - super dry. I'm struggling to create a humid environment. Sealed my cuttings in oven bags and hoping for the best.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Oven bags should work well but keep them out of direct sun or light that is too bright or it will heat up in there. I visited Perth back in 2001 when I was in the U.S. Navy. Beautiful place and the people were awesome!

[@alittlebitoflight]

@@MikeKincaid79 Cheers for your reply, Mike. I'm glad you enjoyed Perth when you were here. Hoping you are yours are keeping safe where you are.

[@ibu.pejuang]

wow, Thanks a lot for making this video Mike! I think this is the clear answer of my failures! can wait to start over my rotting propagation

[@MikeKincaid79]

So glad you found the answer!

[@Vector_Ze]

Good advice. But, I tried something similar and learned a hard lesson. I cooked the plants by leaving the container where it got blasted by direct sun. Wasn't intentional. I would've known better.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I've done the same thing. Here's a video of my mistake last year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/faOXoqFtftdld8U There's also a follow up with the results.

[@adeleferguson663]

Mike, you are my inspiration. I watched your hydrangea videos several times, and have my own tote under the hammock in my yard with 12 4" pots of cuttings. They have been sitting there for 4 weeks now, never re-watered, visible condensation in the box. My questions are more on how to care for them from this point on ??? I am in MA, zone 6B. I have no garage, but do have a basement with windows. It gets cold in the basement in the dead of winter, but not as cold as the outdoor temps. The cuttings that I have are from mature plants that my neighbors shared with me, so I know these types are hearty in my zone in the ground. Thoughts ? PS: your vids are awesome !!!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad to help, thanks for all the great questions Lori, and if you have any more, just ask!

[@albertareid8776]

Thanks so much, Mike, You are a genuine person

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Alberta! That's just about the nicest compliment anyone could have given me. I appreciate you hanging out with us on the channel!

[@lisettegarcia]

I love that the rooster's crow was perfectly synced to emphasize key points - nature's soundtrack 😎

[@MikeKincaid79]

Johnny and I had a love hate relationship, lol

[@thomasrush2095]

That rooster must be soup by now.

[@TitoTheThird]

@@thomasrush2095 Lol! :)

[@mitabishnoigardentips6137]

Very well explained in video ,yes I agree we kill the struggling lil cutting of plant by over watering ...

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's so true, isn't it. Just trying to spread the work. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the video!

[@cicibelarus1916]

I couldn’t find a clear tote lid, so i used plastic wrap on top. My cuttings are all potted inside the tote, so i just add water to the bottom of the tote, outside of the pots, hoping that adds some humidity as the water evaporates.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Perfect, I do the same thing. Got a project going right now that looks like you described.

[@albertnongrum1021]

Wow! What an idea,you just wake me up when I needed you most,thanks a lot my friend,wonderful

[@MikeKincaid79]

My pleasure 😊

[@eliasalqamar4970]

I'm doing the same thing long ago. I just water them once after planting the cuttings then leave them as long as the soil still with moisture. I just water them regularly when I see the roots are grown enough to absorb water.

[@MikeKincaid79]

You've got it figured out, Elias!

[@ekadian4277]

I mean. I can put the cuttings on rockwol, wet, then do hidroponik style or do oeganic way with soil in the pot. I have never closed them inside a box like you do. It always works well. Must water it everyday. If it is too dry, then it will die. The weather is hot in indonesia heee

[@chanchinmawiib2817]

Eka Dian

[@littlemissy8356]

I put mine in a tote. I put a screen in the bottom. Bought from Lowes, egg crate screen. I put water, for humidity in bottom of the tote, and the screen keeps the water off the plants, then the cups of plants went in. I used plexiglass for a top. There is plenty of humidity. But plexiglass is expensive. So a lid works too, clear tote for light. Seemed to work well. Just keep an eye on it. His message is not to soak the soil. Don't forget to polk holes in the pots.

[@MikeKincaid79]

All great advice, and I love the egg crate screen idea. I've done that on a few projects and it works well to keep the water out of the soil but also to keep the humidity high.

[@tammykriskie2233]

Great video.. Thanks for all the info on cuttings, am going to give it a try .. I wanna get some of those clear bins you have, excellent idea..

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yeah, they work great and they're cheap. There's a guy on our Facebook group who bought a ton of them and propagated hundreds of cuttings in them.

[@dayneallensheetsftm]

Concerning Johnny... my neighbors have roosters and they don't crow only at daybreak or during the day... they crow at night also :)

[@MikeKincaid79]

Mine does all that too but he likes to jump in when I start talking, haha.

[@janeelfers611]

Thank you for explaining why my cuttings died.

[@MikeKincaid79]

happy to help

[@kwarzainuddin506]

thank u mike. now I'm understand why my cuttings died

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad to help

[@tiosurcgib]

Makes a lot of sense. Only point is one which you don't make here, but you DO make elsewhere: the danger of rot setting in as a result of funghal infections precisely as a result of the constant humidity. By omitting this part of the equation from this video, I'm wondering if it may cause disappointment?

[@MikeKincaid79]

It may, I suppose. But that's why I have other videos. You know, we live and learn as time goes by and this channel is a work in progress. I'm also learning as I make these videos. Some of my older videos don't include a specific detail but I always come back to it and include them in other newer videos. The people who stick with this channel and watch all the videos as I post them, get all of this information over time. The people who click on a video or 2 and watch for a minute or 2 and never return, get very little. Maybe someday I'll post the perfect video with everything included. Until that time, people will just have to either take the bad with the good or click off, lol.

[@tiosurcgib]

@@MikeKincaid79 A sour response. Shame.

[@philipstrachan6212]

Just catching up with this - five years later! I thought i'd do a bit of research on this as I am losing my favourite Daphne, and I want to propagate it before it dies. I've never had any success with Daphne cuttings before now, so I will be taking 4 cuttings every week until mid/end August. Good tips with respect to inert composts and watering. I have never seen these stressed before, but I think it might be where I have gone wrong in the past with Daphne. BTW this one's Daphne Darjeeling and is in flower from November till April. It scents the whole garden and is one of the best flowering shrubs I've ever had.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I love daphne and oddly enough I don't have any here. At some point I'll get some and work on propagating them.

[@xaraz8477]

Thanks this kinda explain why every time I root cutting in water then transferred once good roots have developed in soil they all died..!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Propagating plants in water makes the plant form a different type of root that is more conditioned for that environment so it's a tough transition to soil.

[@Yohanasvideos]

Im so greatful you did this video Bcus im about to some cuttings and i was gonna make the mistakes and I actually have time to maybe save some cuttings that i had started and they are super wet right now 😢

[@MikeKincaid79]

We live and learn. Good luck with your cuttings!

[@amourdeparis]

That's good advice if you have a tote for your cuttings. For my rose and hydrangea cuttings, I leave them outside in the shade. The climate here in western Oregon is relatively humid so I have good success. I keep the soil moist so during the summer, I need to water my cuttings on a daily basis or else they would wilt and dry out.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Totes are really cheap but I like that you are able to root them without any equipment. Western Oregon! Were you in the path of 100% totality of the eclipse? I saw 94.7% of it where I am at but kick myself for not driving a couple hours to see the real deal. Oh well, I guess I can plan a trip to Texas in 2024!

[@amourdeparis]

I probably should get a tote for the winter. I'm not sure what to do with my young plants when the cold weather returns. I was in the path of the total eclipse. Here's my photo of the total solar eclipse: www.flickr.com/photos/triminh/36723912795/in/dateposted-friend/

[@MikeKincaid79]

Wow! that's awesome, thanks for the pic. I guess I'm headed to Texas in a few years. Here's a link to how you can deal with cuttings through the winter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnaynJ6neKlrnNk

[@amourdeparis]

Thanks, Mike. It was definitely spectacular to witness the sky darkening for a minute or so.

[@ciscottciscott]

Mike, my husband and I made a trip to Newport to celebrate our 30th anniversary and to view eclipse totality. I was fortunate to see totality in 1979 and was eager to share it with my husband. I started recording a video just a minute or two before totality. You can see how dark it got, and once it was total I pointed my camera skywards. You can find my video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH-wqIqMbLaBf9U. The key is to view with your sound up and to view to the end (only 1m 45s). ~Carmelita

[@Epifania646]

Very nice plant inside the green house

[@MikeKincaid79]

Those big plants behind me are all species rhododendrons.

[@m.m9759]

Thank you so much,,,you answered my question,,,i started regrow plants and learned a lot from you,,,,Thank you so much!!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

So glad you're learning a lot and having fun with it, Shereen! Plants are so much fun!

[@natgmac6625]

Wow good to know. Thanks for more tips. My bongavilla cuttings just sprout leaves. I was afraid those newly sprout leaves will dry out. So they did ☹️

[@MikeKincaid79]

We manifest our reality, don't we.

[@Meport1105]

Omg, thank you! I was wondering the same thing because mine didn’t work. I kept watering….ugh

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yeah, less water is better with a closed system and softwood cuttings.

[@Lil0724]

Yeah my fault now it’s too wet. Can I just leave them out in the sun for a few days in their bottle or should I just put new soil

[@MikeKincaid79]

If you put a closed bottle in the sun it will heat up and kill your cuttings. New soil might be your best bet.

[@Lil0724]

@@MikeKincaid79 what if I put 70% perlite and 30% soil together? Will that be ok since I don't have enough soil

[@tlc6756]

Awe, the rooster just wanted to be on you tube😀. Great videos as always, thx.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Lol, thanks