Step-by-step plan: cuttings on a mix of perlite and sphagnum moss
Plant cuttings. It sounds so easy, and it is if you follow the right steps and have the right supplies. In this article we explain step by step how best to take cuttings on a mix of perlite and sphagnum moss. What do you need? A transparent container (as a cutting container), two containers to prepare the perlite and sphagnum, the perlite and sphagnum, cling film (optional), secateurs or knife and disinfectant.
Buy Sphagnum moss premium A1 quality for cuttings and terrariums
Table of contents
Step 1: Disinfect the blade or pruning shears
By removing part of the plant, a wound is created, as it were, on your plant and your cutting. When you disinfect your pruning shears or knife before use, the chance that bacteria will get into the wound is much less. In addition, there is also less chance of rot and other misery.
We use the Scindapsus Pictus Trebie as an example for cuttings on perlite and moss.
Step 2: Cut or cut about 1 centimeter below an aerial root
See the photo below to see what a cutting with aerial root of the Trebie looks like. Note: make sure that in addition to an aerial root (or nodule) there is also at least one leaf on the cutting.
In some cases there are two leaves close together or you have multiple aerial roots. That's no problem, you simply have a bigger spot!
The cutting formula for this plant is: leaf + stem + aerial root = cutting!
Step 3: Prepare your cutting tray with perlite + moss mix
First you wash the perlite in a bowl of water so that the dirt is gone and the perlite is moist. Discard the water after washing. Then wet your sphagnum moss in another container in water and pull the moss apart.
Then take the moss, squeeze it carefully so that only moist moss remains. You then put this with the perlite. Mix the perlite and the sphagnum together and then fill your cutting tray with the mix.
Step 4: Place the cuttings in the tray
Place your cuttings in the cutting tray. Make sure the aerial root is below the mix and the leaf is above it. Then place the tray in a light and warm place. If you want to increase the humidity even more, you can put cling film over the opening. Air the container after a few days. Also check whether the mix is still moist. If this is not the case, you can spray the tray wet.
Step 5: Once the roots are at least 3 centimeters
As soon as your roots are at least 3 centimeters you can transfer them to an airy potting soil mix! Each plant has its own favorite potting soil mix, so don't just put your young plant in the potting soil! The handy thing about the transparent bowl or vase is that you can see the roots in the end.
Why take cuttings on a mix of perlite and sphagnum moss?
Moss reduces the risk of rot, if you find it difficult to estimate how moist your moss should be, mixing with perlite is ideal. Perlite ensures air circulation and drainage. In addition, it only retains the moisture that your cutting needs. By mixing the moss with the perlite, you will also have to water less often.
Due to the benefits of moss and perlite, your cutting will root faster and develop stronger roots that will acclimate more quickly to potting soil later on.
