How to GROW HYDRANGEAS from Cuttings: Easiest Method | Plant Propagation Tips and Tricks

[@JohnJohnson-rj5uf]

I vote leaving in the window sill..... your videos for the most part represent us backyard growers (and they do it very well), most of us dont have a grow tent and huge grow lights..... Keep it representative of what most your viewers would/could do!! I appreciate your videos.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I love it! Thanks for the vote and it looks like that's the direction we're headed.

[@Free_Falastin2024]

KZbin Democracy :)

[@cindyl3916]

A while back you answered my question about Sycoparrotia cuttings. I used 1 3 gallon pot for 6 cuttings. Put a one gallon jug over. One developed leaves but they died. I had stuck a broken branch from a weeping Japanese maple in too. It now has 2 sets of leaves and the rest are starting to develop . It appears to be thriving. Have not looked for roots yet. The 3 gal pot has been sitting on my nightstand since I saw your first video on the 3 cup hydrangea cuttings. I still can’t believe it worked. Thank you for everything you do!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yep, I remember you. That's so great to hear! Happy New Year!!!

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Mike, my vote is to leave it on the windowsill, since most of us live in a NO-GROW-TENT zone without special grow lights! I would love to see how that late cutting does with keeping the humidity dome on for another month or so. I love these experiments! I hope your family has a healthy and Happy New Year! ~Margie🎉

[@MikeKincaid79]

Then that's what we'll do! Happy New Year to you too Margie!

[@maggiemaeclune4046]

I love your videos Mike! Thanks for being your enthusiastic self! Happy new year!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Happy new year Maggie!

[@Paul-Coburn]

Proof positive light makes a difference. Thanks Mike.

[@Janewomanpower]

I am saving this one to watch when I can chill to something this good. More ways to propagate hydrangeas!!! Can't wait!

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'm honored! I hope you enjoy it, Jane. Well, we're headed into spring and I couldn't be happier. I just look past winter and get on with it, haha. Enjoy your day!

[@Janewomanpower]

@@MikeKincaid79 same to you and your family dear Mike. I'll post how it goes!!!

[@garylam6233]

Thanks for the tips ,I’m trying to grow a couple for my daughter ,she loves the hydrangeas. I planted two in flower beds been pretty dry in Virginia this summer and other than providing a nice hole and decent potting soil havent done much to help it out . Seeing your video inspired me added organic bone meal and epsom salt mixture around roots and reworked soil around plant . I hope it brings them around I’m pretty old so it would be nice to see em grow quickly Much Appreciated

[@lobe2032]

I think leaving it in the window would be great, most of us don't have the grow lights yet or the tents, so in the window would be best for us all. Love your videos, they make me happy. As always love to you and the family💖💖💖😊😊😊

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds like good reasoning to me. Happy New Year Glenda!!!

[@bri0013]

Mike you are a trooper man. It was so crazy cold during when shooting this video. Still recording strong. Look forward to seeing the end results.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yep, I can't let you down, lol. Plus, it's good to get out in the clean brisk air every once in awhile.

[@asaliden4584]

I was the one that commented and wanted to start right now. And yes I did so also with a hydrangea cutting that was completely dormant in beginning November. And now I have a lot of roots and it’s starting to push growth! I’ve moved it to my kitchen where I put double lights at 4500K underneath one of the cabinets (backyard nursery style 😅) and my plants and cuttings seems to do just fine. Coleus cuttings with nice colors doing much better than mother plant in my window, sweet potato vine cuttings growing like crazy and small self seeded plants of salvia and other plants that I had to prune (and got more cuttings). So, there’s alternative for us too

[@MikeKincaid79]

I remember you! Yes, there are many ways to do this and it's good to know that a simple window sill will provide everything the plant needs. Lights through the winter will definitely give them a boost. Have a happy new year!

[@soonzach4017]

Happy new year to you and all. Mr green thumb can grow everything.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Happy New Year!

[@wordvendor1]

I like the cup covered on the windowsill, just to see how long it goes and how it well it fares. I've had enormous success with putting cuttings in a plastic box with potting soil and extra vermiculite, then the lid over it, like you showed. The humidity in that box is perfect for starting hydrangeas, as long as it's out of direct sunlight. I'd pot them up and in a few months, I would be able to take cuttings from them!

[@MikeKincaid79]

So far, we're at 100% votes to leave it in the window sill!

[@silverfoxes65]

My favorite way to start cuttings. You can do 20 at a time if you want. I like to use perlite or a perlite/coir mixture. I also give them a weak solution of hydroponic nutrients to get them started.

[@domingaalmain-ocden4932]

Hi I know I'm way too late for this conversation but I just got hydrangea cuttings from Maine and I want to try your way of propagation since I don't have much windows wherr sun hits. Do you just put it in the big plastic, cover it. Di you ever water it after. How about light for them. Thanks.

[@wordvendor1]

@@domingaalmain-ocden4932 Yes, I covered the plastic box. It was in shade under a table outside. No direct sunlight! I watered ithe soil before I added the cuttings, then only if it seemed dry after that, which it rarely did. The box kept the humidity rolling pretty well. Good luck!

[@domingaalmain-ocden4932]

@@wordvendor1 Thank you. Any suggestions to keep them alive during winter time since they are still growing.

[@baldyeti]

Brother, I’m currently using this three cup method to grow pomegranate from seed! Gonna be doing the same with several cuttings next grow season (August was too late for me for my outdoor trees) Thank you again for all you share! I really appreciate you!

[@MikeKincaid79]

No problem, I appreciate you being here. Would be cool to hear how the pomegranate seed works out. Happy New Year!

[@camicri4263]

Window sill! Leave the cup on top too and let's see what happens! Thanks Mike! Happy and blessed New Year to you and your family ❤️🙏 hugs 🤗

[@MikeKincaid79]

Window sill it is. Happy New Year Camelia!

[@camicri4263]

@@MikeKincaid79 thank you Mike!🤗🤗💞

[@JS-jl1yj]

I recommend to keep it on the window sill and turn the cup a bit every couple of days. The days are starting to get longer bit by bit, so the cutting will be getting more and more natural light. Six weeks before the last frost, when the ground can be worked, I would try transplanting the windowsill sample into a 1 gallon clear plastic bottle, with drainage holes, with the cap removed. This way, the cutting will have more room to grow and it will be protected from winds and frost. It will keep some humidity under the dome of the jug and get natural light all around. I will take a Hydrangea cutting next October and try this experiment myself. I'll start with your 3-cup system, up-size to a jug and put the jug inside my cold frame where I keep my veggie seedlings until the danger of frost is past and then transplant everything into the ground.

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's a thought I hadn't considered, oddly enough. We've crossed the threshold and it's getting lighter now every day! Thank you for that.

[@cjminor6429]

I'm with most of the comments I've read- leave it in the windows. Everyone has a window sill, but not all of us have grow tents (yet!!), so it would be a nice proof that we could all do the same method with similar results! I vote, if my vote counts, that next fall you repeat the experiment with every possible scenario and let's see what happens!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Your vote definitely counts. I love the "every possible scenario" idea!

[@joeparker6070]

Hi mate. I'd say window cill I cut 2 litre bottles into two and use them just the same as you do with the two cups the two halves fit into one another. I use 12 Oz clear plastic cups for the cuttings. With using the bottles you have the choice to remove the lid for hardening off/humidity levels etc. Currently got over a thousand on the go Great video mate. Brilliant way to end this year watching another of your videos. Thanks mate 👍

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks Joe. Great idea with the soda bottles. Makes for much more room for bigger cuttings!

[@dashermike3207]

I’m trying this at this time. I have 8 cuttings in the cups…I used straight course sand for 4 of them and a mix of peat and perlite for the other 4. All growing conditions, etc., are the same for both groups. They are now into the second week and leave are still green and healthy looking….it will be interesting to see the results.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'm curious too

[@mattbee7885]

Hay Mike love the videos but..... can I take the cuttings right NOW in December?? Haha 😄 I also watch Mike's backyard nursery which he shows sticking hardwood cuttings all through the winter and just leaving in outside beds with great success, I've been doing that for a few years now in UK and works well

[@MikeKincaid79]

Hahaha, that one made me smile from ear to ear! I knew where your comment was headed as soon as I got to the but...... LOL. Love it man. Mike is a national treasure when it come's to plants. I first started watching his stuff sometime in the early 2000's. I haven't seen him in a few years though so I'll have to head over to his channel and see what he's been up to. Enjoy the new year in the UK!

[@JohnWalker-nv2kc]

You already have a covered Hydrangea in the tent. I vote for putting it back in the window sill. I have one that I rooted in the window it rooted well and has been growing well until this week. We have has -4 Degrees weather and of course the winter solstice last week. It has turned light green and slight wilting. I'm thinking it is going dormant and will be dormant until spring. I don't have a grow tent so this is the natural way for me. I will Plant it after last frost. Last year on of my 2 cuttings that I planted in the previous fall came back from dormancy and grew.

[@MikeKincaid79]

After all the replies this morning, it's staying in the window sill. Looking forward to seeing how it does until spring. Yep, past the winter solstice and I'm definitely looking forward to some rhododendron blooms in the spring.

[@agent4127]

I hope you and your family have a great new year!...And I hope your next video is about those figs in the water cups in your grow tent 😀

[@MikeKincaid79]

Haha, working on it! Happy New Year!!!

[@vincentciliberti5026]

Hi Mike. First and foremost thanks for relpying, I'll do as you do, experiment a bit. Here it is a Mediterranean climate and winter (cold) starts in Decemember while it never snows though it does hail at times. I will leave the cuttings for next month i.e. mid-June, and proprogate in the plastic glasses as you did, and watch what happens. A great thanks to you buddy Jim.🤗

[@MikeKincaid79]

Mediterranean climate sounds so warm and inviting. Where are you located?

[@vincentciliberti5026]

I am in the island of Malta. Hydengea is now in full bloom@@MikeKincaid79

[@TheTinkerersWife]

Windowsill hands down. , It's more of a test as we know what the tent with its environment produce already. So many people only have a window sill I think it will help the most.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Great! That's what we're doing, and what I really wanted to do all along. Just wanted to get your opinion.

[@victorgarcia445]

greetings from Watching your videos I have learned a lot from you you are a great teacher and what you do is impressive

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thank you very much, I'm humbled by your comment. Happy New Year, Victor!

[@thecatandthelizard4252]

Very excited for the follow up! Planning on taking my own hydrangea cuttings this summer :)

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yep, planning on making a follow up soon here. Just waiting for the weather to warm.

[@ByDesign333]

I wished u had multiples of the domed cuts to set in various places...but I would like u set in on the sill.

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's a great idea for future videos!

[@njphil1279]

I've been using this method with about 50% success rate which I'm really happy about. What I found was the health of the doner plant (and type) is extremely important. Light green and soft leaves fail the most because they wilt and weaken quickly and are more susceptible to sun damage and fungus. About 10 days before removing cuttings, I douse the plant with high iron content liquid fert and micronutrients. Within days, the leaves turn dark green and much thicker and healthier and don't wilt after cut and placed in pots for rooting. Thanks for all your knowledge Mike.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yep, the health of the parent plant is a huge factor. Glad you're having success.

[@theoverworkedgardener5648]

Very cool video Mike.

[@RCCRAYZ]

Hey Mike glad to see another video, I'm always chomping at the bit waiting for the next to drop lol, anyway, My question is , and I've been wondering this the past few hydrangea cuttings experiments you've been doing, is what are the chill hours on those? And how are you getting away with none doing these experiments like this?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I could be wrong but I think chill hours are more related to fruit production than plant growth. You should be able to grow just about anything year round, but if the chill hours are too low then it may not produce a good crop. That's my understanding.

[@RCCRAYZ]

@@MikeKincaid79 yah, I just googled it, and with hydrangeas it said they need 6-8 weeks of chill hours (temps between 32 and 45 ) and they will bloom again, so for hydrangeas it's so they can flower apple trees it's for fruiting, and I know it's important for alot of trees, for example sugar maple trees, they need a certain amount of chill hours before their buds will even finish forming to reopen in the spring, it's the reason you don't see sugar maples I'm Florida. So that's why I was wondering about th hydrangeas, same concept.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Makes sense to me. And when I'm referring to fruit production, I'm including blooms. I didn't know it was 6-8 weeks. I may have to put my hydrangeas outside in early spring to get those chill hours in.

[@chris-yy6no]

leave it as is, back on the window sill.. Would be a great test.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Vote #2, and I like the direction we're headed.

[@darlatidwell6255]

I say leave it in the window as long as the humidity level doesn't get too high and cause fungal issues. And if it does, it goes in the tent. Either way, the tent is doing the best, so it is always there as the best option, if you have one. Nice cuttings for sure. I love hydrangeas.

[@MikeKincaid79]

They are such a wonderful plant! I can't wait for them to start leafing out again. Maybe I need to go all in and do a ton of cuttings this summer.

[@darlatidwell6255]

@@MikeKincaid79 Yes. If you do we will really enjoy seeing them in the background of your videos. 🙂

[@emptynestgardens9057]

Team window sill 👍🏻🌱

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yayyyy!

[@VincentKeenan]

I have cuttings (Hydranger- Skip Laural - Azalea) in cups with sand in a standard 10x20 tray with a high humidity dome. The grow lights seemd a little too intense with the leaves looking slightly less green. I put apiece of frost/shade( 70% light through) just over the top not the sides. The leves recovered and I have new growth. ( I also have some outside in a nearing frame as Mike suggested} My only outside deviation was gettig a tempered glass desk protector from Home Depot wich was about the right size and about a third the price of the tempered glass. The light is about 26 inches above the top of the dome. DYI Grow Tent - I tried this starting fall and a have over winteed petunias, bells, herb and havestarted and just up potted 34 tomatoe starts to 4 inch pots. I took a 6' long x 6' high x 2' wide metal shelf and covered 3 sides and the top with the thin mylar survival blankets and covered that with moving pads that we had from a recent move. The mylar survival blankets are cheap, reflects light, blocks drafts and retains the heat. I had the moving pads which I added for extra layer of insulation in my unheated garage but you could use anything you had on hand. I had an ceramic heater with a fan for heat and air circulation. I put on a plug with a LUX thermostat plug runing 60 degrees at night and 70 in the daytime. I already had full spectrum grow lights which on a simple timer that I had for Christmas lights, on 15 hours a day. I have 2 levels which allowing 6 10x20 trays on the top and 5 on the bottom because of the area for the heater on the lower level. In the lower level I have mostly 1 gallon plant containess. Few Thoughts 1 It works very well . 2 You could easily down size or expand the concept to fit your space and needs. The only thing i did not have or could not imorovise were the survival blankets and the LUX thermostat plug. 3- When I started the tomatoes I did use a heat mat which brought thoes trays up to the recomended 80-90 degree germination temp without changing the temp for the established plants.4- I used hand clamps to attach the moving blanket over the long front access side. I do have a 12 ft x 12 ft x 8' high greenhouse with winter hardy plants inside which did not want to heat the large area all winter. It is 24 for a high today and the garage is at 48 degrees, so I only have to bring a shelf size space up 24 degrees instead of 1,000 sq ft up 48. degrees

[@AnyDaySoiree]

Hi Mike - first time propagating and wanting to try your 3 cup method- my question is when do you and how do you finally plant it in the ground ? Is there a video link to that ? I’m in zone 6 Massachusetts and it’s July . If I get these to root by this October , do I plant then or keep them in the cups until Spring ? At what point must they come out ? When there’s no moisture ? When the roots are popping through the holes ? And finally , is perlite a good medium and do you soak that first before adding the cutting dipped hormone ? Do you need to add potting soil to the perlite and will that make any difference ? Thanks for all you do for novice gardeners like me .

[@MikeKincaid79]

I took these cuttings in the fall and let them root all winter in my house, in a window sill. The spring is a great time to plant them out, regardless of how much root they have, because they will have all summer to put on good root growth and get well established before winter. October is a bad time to plant rooted cuttings outdoors, especially for more tender plants, because they won't have time to establish and may just die back at the first freeze. I have a whole series about overwintering rooted cuttings if you're interested: kzbin.info/aero/PLpmpssr45yfMtl3yav-vy1qGsTDdTVWSl Perlite is a good medium and you don't need to soak it first but I like to run some water over it before sticking cuttings so that it's moist. The water should just run right through it. I don't like using composted potting soil for cuttings. Some plants will root in anything but some are more fickle and will rot more easily due to the bacteria and fungus within the composted material. Try using something inert for rooting medium, like the perlite you mentioned. Here's a video about rooting medium: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m327eaxqdplgrs0

[@carolsuch5646]

Hi Mike I'd leave it on the windowsill covered just to see how it goes, it'll probably slow down over the winter. Also happy new year to you all. Carol

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'm very interested in seeing what happens if I just leave it like you said. Happy New Year!

[@DOLfirst]

I'd prefer the window sill method. Not all of us have grow lights....or want to bother with them

[@MikeKincaid79]

Alright, that's 1 vote for keeping it in the window sill. I'm kind of curious how long it will sit in that sill and stay viable.

[@DOLfirst]

@@MikeKincaid79 could be a valuable experiment. Too bad you didn't do more than one in October... one for the sill, one for the grow lights.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Seriously kicking myself in the butt for that, haha

[@DOLfirst]

@@MikeKincaid79 there's always next year ... btw Happy New Year!

[@gulzaremadinanursery]

Very interesting 🥰👌

[@jasonwoods4811]

Hi Mike, Happy New Year buddy :D

[@MikeKincaid79]

Hey hey, Happy New Year!

[@skenaWalker]

I vote for the windowsill! I don't have a grow tent either, as most of the responses have said.

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's where it's staying!

[@teresamunoz4086]

The cutting looks very healthy, I would like to see what it does if left on the window sill… good luck!

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's what we're doing! Thanks Teresa.

[@billyjones9620]

Mike, I have propagated several hydrangeas this summer in plastic cups with clear plastic tops. They are 4” to 5” tall. Do I leave them in the cups with tops for greenhouse effect through the winter or do I plant them in the ground now? I am in zone 8 B.

[@bbtg]

Thanks!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks so much Bruce and Happy New Year!

[@RedHotFiat]

I don't have a grow tent so I vote for leaving it in the windowsill.

[@MikeKincaid79]

100% so far! It think it's staying in the window sill.

[@silverfoxes65]

I vote for drilling holes in the top cup so some air gets to the young plant and it gets used to the environment slowly. As far as placement, either location is fine.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I will probably do something like that at some point but want to let it keep going as is for awhile and see what happens in the short term. Trying to figure out if a person can truly "set it and forget it" with this method.

[@silverfoxes65]

The real secret to getting succesful cuttings. Just do it. I have started fig cuttings just about any way you can think of and they all work. My favorite method is to half fill a clear Sterilite tub with perlite, moisten with hydroponic nutrient mixture, then stick in the cuttings and close the lid. I open the lid occasionally to let in fresh air, then close it back up. The trick is the transition from the moist environment of the tub into the open air, the answer is slowly. Once your cuttings are hardened off, you can easily tease them out of the perlite and plant them into potting soil.

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's what makes figs so fun. There are so many options with them and they'll root in many different environments. I also love how malleable they are and how you can shape them into anything you want as they grow into trees.

[@RomanticFlor]

Hello Mike, thanks for these awesome videos. I have a question, I have some hydrangeas bigleaf cuttings rooting on perlite, I notice they seem to be doing good, but I notice some roots above the perlite, could you please tell me if those are real roots? should I put more perlite to cover them or plant them in potting soil? please let me know

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, they are real roots. I just leave them alone, more roots should come below the soil as well. They only do that because they're in a humid environment. One of mine is doing that right now, I'd send you a pic if I could.

[@robertdurkin7596]

Awesome 👌 video, you're best of take care lots of beautiful plants, let's growing up more for new year !.. happy new year, 2030, best wishes, Mike!👍🪴😉❤️

[@MikeKincaid79]

Happy New Year!

[@AmandaViolinGirl]

I used sand in my cup I put a piece of kitchen paper towel at the bottom of the cup so the fine sand wouldn't go through to the lower cup but the water could drain.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Perfect

[@brendagamba7826]

I would put it outside in the shade. However it's summer here in Cape Town. I will wait for May/June when our winter starts then I will plant it outside. We don't have snow and ice here. Fingers crossed.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Summer sounds so good right now! We're in that time of winter when we get rain one day and snow the next, along with big wind storms. Really looking forward to spring. Enjoy the rest of your summer Brenda!

[@brendagamba7826]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thanks Mike. Just a side note: Many years I worked as a clerk for a very large company , Greatermans, what we today would call a Mall here in Cape Town. One of my colleagues was Beverley Kincaid. If memory serves me right, she hailed from Johannesburg. I have often wondered if you are related to her.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I have no idea but here's some insight into my family name. I'm an imposter, lol. My great grandfather (Carl Kincaid) was born Carl Mclean. When he was a baby, his parents both died and the kids were all adopted. Carl was the youngest and so the family that adopted him changed his name to their name (Kincaid). So if I am related, it's by name only. But that brings up another point. There are probably thousands of stories like this and so the question becomes, "How much are our names linked to our blood line?" Anyway, just some interesting facts and points. In the end, we're all related.

[@lyndaflower-williams6744]

Hi, I'm in England, and love your video. I'm trying your method with a Sambucca and a hydrangea. a couple of questions: I'm using vermiculite as the planting medium, is that ok? and secondly are there any other shrubs you might recommend to try? I have a vigorous physocarpus and a couple of other common shrubs. thankyou.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Plant propagation is a big subject and there are as many techniques as varieties of plants. This method works well for softwood cuttings through the summer. I plan to try it on some broad leaf evergreens at some point. As far as vermiculite, that should work well. I made a video about rooting medium that may help you make future decisions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m327eaxqdplgrs0

[@cathyp5463]

Hi Mike. I live in SW Florida. When side if the house should I put my roses I’m propagating?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Definitely the North side

[@janetsweeden6203]

I vote leave it in the window Sil I have one from June or July last year in the set up and it is still growing and rooting

[@MikeKincaid79]

Done! Wow, still going strong since mid summer. Really cool.

[@Gabs-Dj]

Mike, great videos thank you. I’m currently propagating my 92 yr old Nan’s huge hydrangea collection and Rhodi’s. What sort of strength are your LED? Josh, GB

[@MikeKincaid79]

Right on. I don't use the LED lights for rooting those plants but here's a link to the light I currently have in the tent: amzn.to/3qhdFIX You can get all the info you want on it there. It's plenty of light to fill a 3x3 tent and possibly a 4x4

[@leonahawker7977]

I want to tell you two of the cuttings I planted last year are coming up. There was 5 cuttings

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome! Congratulations

[@markboyd2143]

Thanks for the videos. Super helpful. Just a quick question: Did you water the cutting before putting the lid on top, or did you let the humidity build up? Thanks 😊

[@MikeKincaid79]

I watered and let it drain well. Then put the lid on top.

[@markboyd2143]

@@MikeKincaid79 Brilliant, thank you very much. 😁

[@Tweetybirdx]

Why are there holes on inside cup if not watering. What is purpose of the holes. What is draining? Thanks. Love your vids

[@MikeKincaid79]

Once it roots, you just pull the cup out and have a ready made pot with holes in it for watering. That way you can continue growing the cutting in the same pot without disturbing it

[@priscilla6440]

Hey there! Me again with another question 🧐 this might be annoyingly long, I apologize! I have 3 hydrangeas mopheads. They are pretty small and have 3-4 blooms. When I bought them one was a burned pink type of color. I wanted to try and turn her purple. I live in panama where getting products like in the states is laughable. So I make due with what I can get my hands on after researching as much as possible. I saw a lot of people make the soil more acidic using coffee. A teaspoon to jar of water. She turned a brilliant mix of purple and pink. The second plant turned baby blue from green. The third plant stayed blue. But I am afraid of over doing it so I have only poured coffee twice overall. Once a month. Recently I fed her the miracle grow bloom booster and the new bloom is bright pink. So I am a confused mess on what to do. They seem to cancel each other out maybe? I dont have a way here to test the PH levels. The soil is a garden mix made here with slow release fertilizer and worm castings. My questions are- is coffee a horrific idea in the long run? If not, how often would you recommend? (That would be an awesome video btw😂 trying different things to color change and see the results) Last question- dead heading, if the plant doesnt have a lot of leaves, should I deadhead the old bloom that is NOT dried out yet so the energy goes towards making more foliage? Again I am sorry I wrote a book of a comment. You are the MOST knowledgeable guy I have found who answers our questions. Thank you for all of the advice Mike!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Well I better not let you down, lol. I've never tried coffee grounds but I hear it will increase the acidity in the soil. The best thing you can do is go back to the basics. Acidic soil will turn them blue and alkaline soil will turn them pink. Knowing that, you need to find a way to create a more acidic soil if you want blue. Where most people get hung up is that they try adding something and want immediate results. While there are products that give quick results, the real long lasting blue that will come back year after year will take time. The best thing you can do is mulch well with a lot of carbon material like bark or leaves, etc. Fungus is attracted to carbon materials and as they break them down they create a more acidic soil. This happens more slowly over time. So what you can do is mulch well with carbon and then do a more immediate solution in the meanwhile, but knowing that it will take a few years to really get the results you desire. Good luck, be patient, and don't give up!

[@priscilla6440]

@@MikeKincaid79 I am very grateful that you took the time and answered my inquiry! Thank you Mike! I will try it out and see how it goes. I got the mulch ready🤣 thank you again! 👌👌👌

[@henryli9616]

could you provide some advice forGROW HYDRANGEAS and Rose from cuttings in summer or hot weather?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I have many videos about growing both of those plants in the summer. In fact, I believe summer is a better time to do this. Just search the channel and you'll find them. I also have many of those videos in playlists that you can find on my main channel page.

[@juliedeskins8348]

Did you water the soil before planting the cutting please.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes

[@joelyboyblue]

40mil views and 10years, time flies,

[@MikeKincaid79]

Man, doesn't it though. It's been awhile since I saw you last but you've been here since the beginning.

[@DachiaTheDogMom]

I'm looking for the video of when you take hydrangeas out of a propagation bed ad plant in nursery pots. When are roots strong enough to transplant?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I like to up-pot to a 1 gallon in spring and let them grow in a protected spot for a summer, harden in the winter, and plant out the following spring.

[@cowboy5706]

I took rose cuttings in October did the same thing you did and now December 31 roots filling the cup shall I leave them alone are pot them up?

[@MikeKincaid79]

My vote is to leave it alone until spring.

[@hosta127]

Hi Mike, I built a propagation (Nearing) frame last year and filled it with almost 100 Hydrangea cuttings. But sadly, I neglected it over the winter and I think it dried out. Anyway all the cuttings failed. So now I am getting ready to get some more cuttings and fill it again. Can I just use the same sand mixture I used last year, wet it down again really well and turn on the pump and heater again?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, use the same sand. Just clean out any debris in there.

[@hosta127]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thanks Mike!

[@rondrake2674]

wonder if this method would work for rhoddies?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'm going to try.

[@loriepearman7184]

Since it’s winter time, let it be. Leave it in the window introduce it to spring later on

[@MikeKincaid79]

I like it!

[@dirkhagar2399]

I would like to see it in the window sill, inside the cups until the new leaves are well developed. Thanks

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks Dirk! You're in the majority

[@matthewking2209]

I would say windowsill. What's the plans for those figs? I use the method with the cup and lid.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Figs are all stuck in cups now and I have lids or cling wrap on all of them.

[@matthewking2209]

@@MikeKincaid79 We think the same, When I didn't have a lid I put cling wrap with a rubber band and poked a small hole to put the cutting through it worked well to keep the fungus gnats out. I use perlite in the bottom then coco coir hydrated to field capacity.

[@PastorCherie]

Question: do you ever water the cutting? The top is sealed shut, no vent, no way to mist or water the cutting. but you put holes in the bottom - are the holes in the bottom for drawing up water? Do you put it in a saucer or something with water once in a while?

[@MikeKincaid79]

No watering. Just seal it up and done. Set it and forget it.

[@theoverworkedgardener5648]

What would it do if you left a cup on in the grow tent would be interesting 🤔

[@MikeKincaid79]

Definitely speed the whole process up. Probably create a lush tropical environment for a nice plant. I'll have to do it.

[@Tweetybirdx]

Did you water the rooting first? Didn’t see that you did after you put it in the cup.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I watered the medium

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

Have you done figs this way? I was thinking about this process with fig cuttings since I tend to forget to water if I do not have seedlings going and I kill all house plants because I forget to water. Thanks Mike.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I've never done figs this way because I like to leave my hardwood cuttings uncovered, but it would be worth an experiment. Maybe I need to do that one.

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

@@MikeKincaid79 that would be great! I find the really skinny cuttings never root for me unless it is the branch tip. I think it is because they dry out too fast. I thought this might work.

[@juha7830]

I took 7 fig cuttings in the August and now they are hardly alive on my Windowsill.. maybe I should put a cup over them like you did with hydrangea.

[@dashermike3207]

Almost every backyard grower that I see on KZbin uses some type of shade cloth for their seedlings to reduce the temperature. I noticed you never do and I’m wondering if it’s because you live in a zone that doesn’t get that hot or if you found a way around it or maybe because of the plants youpropagate the heat in the bright sunshine doesn’t bother them as much just curious. The sun kills everything I try to propagate unless I shade it so I’m just wondering.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Seeds don't need shade. They acclimate to whatever level of light they get right out of the seed. That being said, if they're in direct sun, you'll have to water more frequently and pay closer attention to them. I also germinate them under my shade cloth hoop house that is covered in 50% shade cloth.

[@tinacolbourneart1091]

I live in a 6B in Ontario, Canada and our last frost is usually around May 24th. How early could I take hydrangea cuttings in the spring? I am moving this summer and would love to take my hydrangeas with me.

[@MikeKincaid79]

You can take hardwood cuttings now. The new growth in the spring/summer won't be ready until early June. If all else fails, you could dig some up.

[@brendaboles3875]

Leave it as is 😊

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds good to me, Brenda!

[@matthewkizziahcuzia...gott9632]

Can I take cuttings now in December/January. Hydrangea is dormant. Should I wait until spring.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'm 99% sure you can root hardwood cuttings of hydrangea and I'm working on a project about it now.

[@matthewkizziahcuzia...gott9632]

@@MikeKincaid79 I've got a lace cap that needs pruning and didn't want to waste anything.

[@kushcraft9914]

Mike you Dubble domin son of gun you 👍 Your Kung Fu 🌱 is very strong

[@kushcraft9914]

👍👍👍👍👍🌱👍👍👍👍👍

[@MikeKincaid79]

LOL, that made me laugh pretty good! Thanks for the vote of confidence.

[@kushcraft9914]

@@MikeKincaid79 you got it brother! All for one ✌️🤠

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

I want to know about the cuttings in the water? Are they figs? Are you rooting them in water?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Lol, they are figs! I'm just soaking them for a few days before putting them in bark. I've had many in my fridge for about a year and want to make sure they're fully hydrated.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I actually finished filming this video about a week ago, so 95% of the figs are already potted up in bark. Wish I could post pics for you here.

[@davidmathibe9220]

I want to try an avocado or mango with this method, will it work?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Not sure. Never tried those plants.

[@davidmathibe9220]

@@MikeKincaid79 alright 👍

[@rosewood9839]

You were cooking those puppies.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Haha, I think so.

[@DOLfirst]

Was the mulch damp before you used it?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, I watered it through really well and then let the excess drain off. I was editing the video and noticed that I didn't film that. Need to remember to include that in the future.

[@ByDesign333]

@@MikeKincaid79 Do you choose well water over public water...I use rain water for the high nitrogen. Thnx!

[@MikeKincaid79]

I have a well here so I use that. I am interested in doing some experiments with rain water at some point and I believe the higher acidity in rain water would be beneficial to the cuttings.

[@DOLfirst]

@@MikeKincaid79 Oh! Thank you!

[@7ceasers]

I vote window sill for all the reasons John Johnson listed.

[@MikeKincaid79]

He had some pretty sound reasoning. Thanks for the vote!

[@bbtg]

Window is best

[@MikeKincaid79]

I agree, and that's what's going to happen. Thanks Bruce!

[@monkeygraborange]

I vote for leaving it on the windowsill. I’m betting it’ll be just fine.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Alright! I was hoping you'd want to go that way.

[@1Kent]

I would take the lid off and leave it in the grow tent, I want everything to survive and thrive! Not that I would actually know what that's like.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I would like to do that but the majority of votes are for the window sill, and to be honest, I want to see what happens, lol. Plenty of time for getting it to thrive this summer.

[@tranquilwaters917]

The reefer in you should know better than to run lights at 100%, plants like coral do not always need to be blasted. As I told you when we talked about this, I am running my lights at between 40 and 65% depending on the Coral or even plants 5500K under cabinet lights are growing things like crazy on a 16.5 hour light cycle.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Right after finishing this video, I cranked the lights back up to 100% just to see what happens when it's up all the way but raised to the top of the tent. I can never leave these things alone, lol.

[@rosewood9839]

Put it under the grow light.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks for the vote!

[@roystern9181]

Hi Mike, I'm with everyone who voted to leave it in the window sill. What direction does your window looks out to? Have a safe and Happy New Year!

[@MikeKincaid79]

The window sill it is! That particular window faces west but we have a bunch of tall fir trees in front of the house so it blocks the evening sun. Of course, this time of year in the Puget Sound region, there is no sun.

[@karismith5079]

Please keep it sealed up and in the window sill.

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're in the majority and that's what's happening!

[@yogiberra808]

You really don't have much moisture in there, or water it the whole two months, correct?

[@MikeKincaid79]

No watering through the whole two months. I watered well in the beginning and let the excess water drain through, then covered and taped it, and haven't opened the system since that time. That's what I'm trying to create for people, a set it and forget it kind of set up.

[@yogiberra808]

@@MikeKincaid79 thanks much, good job, I did some last summer, then planted them in the fall, hydrangea and red twig dogwood, we shall see if they make it thru the winter, central IL

[@soonzach4017]

Windowsill please

[@pattiengland907]

Will this method work for roses? I am still having the hardest time propagating my grandmother's roses!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes! I do something similar with roses but use a bigger container. Not sure if you've seen my rose videos but I have a bunch of them. Here's the most comprehensive one that I've done to date: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5CUl4iogs12psk

[@pattiengland907]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thank you Mike. I have watched your videos but I think my green thumb is turning colors! Will continue to try. Enjoy watching your girls help you. Nothing better for kids than dirt under the nails!

[@hosta127]

Correction on that last comment: rhododendron not hydrangea. Sorry.

[@weibullguy]

Can't believe a Navy man isn't using duct tape! The days are just getting longer, have been for the past week and a half. Let's see what happens on the window sill.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Window sill it is. This Navy man is reaching for whatever is nearby this days, lol.

[@cathyp5463]

Window

[@Free_Falastin2024]

We wouldn't learn anything new if you took the cup off and put it in the tent. If you leave the cup on the window sill, we can learn if a cutting can survive in our reduced winter sunlight.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@jozer1]

I say you leave it as it is

[@MikeKincaid79]

Leaving as is. Thanks jozer1

[@suzannecrawford3510]

I think it needs some oxygen take the lid off and leave it in the tent

[@MikeKincaid79]

It definitely could use some fresh air and good lighting. I think that most people are just wanting to see if it survives all winter in the window sill. I'm itching to do what you said though. Really want to get this thing under some lights, lol.

[@michellecrandall2890]

​@Mike Kincaid mine panicked and I am not sure they will make it after taking the top off of the three cup system. They were growing some mold and leaves up against the cup looked like they were going to rot so I took the top off after 6 weeks might be a sad ending to such an amazing start😢

[@teresaholland4790]

Windows 🪟

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, windows, lol