Rooting cuttings is very easy and even a beginner will have success 9 times out of 10. The first picture below shows 2 branches selected to make appropriate sized cuttings. The optimal cutting size is 6” to 8” inches and up to 10”, but not any larger than that. If the cuttings are larger two things might happen 1) The cutting will be top heavy and wind or a strong spray blast from your water hose can knock it over easily 2) New growth will not emerge as fast, due to the water and nutrients being used up by the big stems needs only.
This second picture below> shows typically how you will receive your cuttings from us. All the cuttings will have there name written on them clearly and will have the date they were cut. In addition you will receive a large T label for each variety. The 2 branches on the above picture were made into 4 appropriate sized cuttings. Notice that the bottom ends were cut in a V fashion, which will provide larger edge surfaces for roots to develop from. Next to the scissors are the pieces that were not selected. After the ends of each cutting are scared or calloused over well, about 7 days to 3 weeks there ready to be planted
This third picture below > shows one of the cuttings in soil mix. Visit the Soil Mix Page for cutting mix. It’s about 1-1/2” to 2 inches deep in a 4” inch pot, planted in the center and straight up. The soil should be filled to slightly below the top edge of the pot. Only tamp the soil down enough for the cutting to stand up on its own.
Now you mist the stem with water, every other day or more in warm summer weather. In cooler winter weather less often. In a few weeks you will notice new growth emerge from one of the aerioles, thicken or straightening of the stem, new growth from the tip or maybe all three. These are all signs of the stem putting out roots. Epis are semi-dormant in winter and grow much slower so expect a little longer response in winter. Once you have rooted your cuttings now begin watering the soil as needed. As it grows repot each variety into a larger container as it grows, always labeling well so you will know the name of the variety.
For more information on soil mixes visit our Soil Mix Page!
Heres a 2 part video that shows how to root your new cuttings and what to expect in 1 to 3 months after planting them.
Some typical questions and answers about rooting cuttings are below.
Question- Don’t you have to use rooting hormone on cuttings?
Answer- Some growers chose to use rooting hormone and you might improve your success with some other types of plants, but many experienced growers of Epis will tell you that they notice no significant difference with or without rooting hormone.
Question- How can I tell when the cuttings are rooted?
Answer- Besides the three signs mentioned above, Give the stem a tug if it stays in its rooted. Another easy way instead of the solid colored pots above, are to use a clear Dixie cup with holes cut in the bottom. Then you will be able to see the roots develop.
Question- Why is my cutting turning brown or yellow at the base?
Answer- Most likely too much water, re-cut the cutting removing the rotted mushy section and after letting the end scar over well replant the cutting in fresh soil mix, being careful not to over water the soil.
With so many varieties and more added every day heres an easy to use search box for your convienance to find varieties on the Mattslandscape.com website
