How to Use Rooting Hormone Powder
You can use rooting hormone powder in two main ways: dry form and slurry form.
Dry Form:
Preparation: Pour a small amount of rooting hormone powder into a separate, clean container (e.g., a small cup or lid). Do not dip the cutting directly into the original container to avoid contamination.
Application: Moisten the bottom 1-2 inches of the cutting with a little water.
Dipping: Gently dip the moistened end of the cutting into the powder. Tap the cutting lightly to remove any excess, leaving a thin, even coat.
Slurry Form (Paste):
Preparation: Mix a small amount of rooting hormone powder with a few drops of water until it forms a thick paste.
Application: Use a small brush or your finger to apply a thin layer of this paste to the bottom 1-2 inches of the cutting.
The dry form is the most common and effective method for most cuttings, including Casuarina.
How Long to Keep the Cutting in the Rooting Hormone
The contact time should be very brief. Once the cutting has a good, even coat of powder, it's ready. Do not leave the cutting soaked in the powder or liquid for an extended period. The purpose is simply to transfer the hormone to the cutting's surface.
Rooting Hormone in Liquid Form
The amount of water to add depends on the hormone's concentration and the plant you are propagating. The manufacturer's instructions are the most reliable guide.
General Rule of Thumb: A common recommendation is to dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of powder per gallon (approx. 4 liters) of water. However, this can vary, so always check the product label for specific instructions for "softwood" or "hardwood" cuttings.
Assistance for Casuarina Vegetative Propagation
Casuarina is typically propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Select Cuttings: Choose healthy, disease-free semi-hardwood stems from the current season's growth. The ideal cutting length is about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm).
Prepare Cuttings:
Use a sharp, sterile knife or shears to make a clean cut just below a node.
Remove all leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting to reduce moisture loss and prevent rotting.
You can lightly wound the base by making a small, vertical cut or scraping a thin layer of bark off one side. This helps with hormone absorption and root initiation.
Apply Rooting Hormone: Dip the prepared cuttings into the rooting hormone powder as described above.
Planting Medium: Use a well-draining medium like a mix of equal parts coarse sand and peat moss or coco peat.
Planting: Do not force the cutting directly into the medium. First, use a stick or pencil to create a hole in the rooting medium. Then, gently insert the cutting into the hole, ensuring at least one node is buried. Gently firm the medium around the cutting. This crucial step prevents the rooting hormone from being wiped off the cutting's base.
Environment: Place the pots or trays in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Humidity is crucial for success. You can cover the cuttings with a plastic bag or place them in a mini greenhouse to maintain high humidity.
Watering: Keep the medium moist but not waterlogged.
Rooting typically takes several weeks to a few months. Once the cuttings have developed a strong root system, they can be transplanted into larger pots.