Taking Cuttings: Perlite speeds up the rooting of cuttings, reduces risk of damping off, provides an optimum balance of air and water, and makes water logging almost impossible. It also minimises damage to roots and check to growth during transplanting.
When taking soft stem or leaf cuttings use a mixture of equal parts perlite and Peat.
For more difficult cuttings, and also for more delicate plants increase the proportion of perlite. Anything up to four parts of perlite to 1 part peat. When using a misting irrigation system , you can use only perlite, if sterility is essential. Keep the perlite well watered and feed when the cuttings develop roots.
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