Thank you for buying your poinsettia cuttings from Oglevee. We want to help you achieve success with your cuttings so we've prepared this Growing Tips sheet containing some basic guidelines.
Pre-Plant Preparations
Planting Rooting Hormone
Use of a rooting hormone is optional; liquid rooting hormone solution can offer more complete coverage. Do not overuse--damage to stems can occur.
Sticking
Place cutting NO DEEPER than one inch into the rooting media. Firm media around cuttings to ensure good soil to stem contact. After planting, make sure all meristems are uncovered--move leaves off meristems as needed.
Temperature
Media temperature 66-75°F., 73° F. optimum.
Night temperature (air) 64-72°F., 67° F. optimum.
Day temperature (air) 70-80° F. - stay under 85° F.
Maintain this regime until cuttings are rooted.
Light Intensity
Begin with 600-1000 foot candles until cuttings are callused. After rooting is initiated, increase to 1,000-2,000 foot candles.
Misting
Apply mist so that there is a uniform layer of moisture on the leaf-- do NOT over saturate. Mist from sunrise to sunset--if propagating during extreme heat, 24 hrs. of mist may be necessary for the first 2 days. Addition of Aqua-Gro at 1-1.5 oz. per 100 gal. helps avoid water drops on leaves; apply about every 3-5 days. If leaves bleach out, reduce misting and decrease light levels to 1,000 foot candles.
Root Formation
Callus should begin to form on days 7-10.
Root initiation occurs from day 10-14--start reducing mist frequency to an as needed interval.
Gradually increase air flow and light levels as mist is reduced.
Roots are well established by day 15-17. Eliminate mist upon verification of well-rooted status.
Growing On Fertilization
Start feeding after roots are initiated, 200 ppm nitrogen at every irrigation with the addition of 0.1 ppm molybdenum.
Dark leaved cultivars ,i.e., Dynasty Red and Lilo, require lower nitrogen rates (100- 150 ppm).
Calcium should be supplied, e.g., 15-0-15 calcium nitrate, every third to fourth irrigation.
Magnesium sulfate should be alternated with the calcium supplements to maintain a balanced fertilization program.
Fungicide Drench
Apply ONLY to cutting where roots are beginning to develop--DO NOT pre-drench rooting media before cuttings are stuck--this will hinder root development. Plants should be cleaned continuously to prevent Botrytis.
Growth Regulators
Start at callus stage (day 6-7): reapply 4-5 days later if required.
Nutcracker Red and Nutcracker Pink only need one application of growth regulator, while Nutcracker White might need two applications.
Apply growth regulator to Dynasty Red and Festival Red only as needed.
Note that lower rates or fewer applications of growth regulator is needed in northern climates--excessive use may stunt plants.
Finishing
Pinching
Nutcracker Red, Pink and White, Dynasty Red and Festival Red are free-flowering varieties. A soft pinch, removing a few young leaves (about one inch) will create a well-branched plant.
Growth Regulators
The Nutcrackers have medium growth habit. Only light applications of growth retardant are needed. Dynasty Red benefits from an early, light application, when the breaks are 1" to 2" long.
Temperature
Day 65° F. ; Night 58-62° F. Dynasty Red prefers warmer finishing temperatures--62-65° F nights.
Scheduling
Follow standard planting schedules.
Response Time
The Nutcrackers - 8 to 8 1/2 weeks
Dynasty Red - 9 to 9 1/2 weeks
Festival Red - 8 weeks
Disease Control
As with any crop, maintain proper air movement 24 hours a day to prevent Botrytis. Maintain moderate salt levels in the media; high salts (above 1.80) will increase the risk of Pythium and Rhizoctonia.
Pre-Shipping
Acclimatize cuttings for shipping beginning two weeks prior to sale.
Shipping
Ideal shipping temperature should be maintained at 55-60° F. day and night.Successfully Starting Rooted Poinsettias