General Hydroponics

What is “ROOT CARE“?

Gardeners admire their final production but normally they forget about the deep relationship that flowers have with the root zone. They concentrate on developing large flowers without realizing that the health of your plants to a very large extent depends on the health of your roots. Therefore, it becomes very important for you to understand that only well-developed roots can give you better blooms and prevent your plants from pests and diseases.

Understand the quality of roots while purchasing plants: The plant you purchase from the nursery cannot look healthy if the roots are unhealthy. Thus, it’s advisable, if possible, to check the root of the plant you are planning to buy. Large roots give better support to your plants and also help to easily transport moisture and nutrients. Most root bound plants take time to develop in the garden.

Consider organic fertilizers: Phosphorus is the most essential element that plants need for growth. Bone meal is an excellent organic source of phosphorus; it will help your plants to fight against phosphorus deficiency naturally. Rock phosphate is also a good option to source phosphorus.

Help your roots fight pests and diseases: You can naturally avoid pests in your garden by applying parasitic nematodes to the growing medium. With adequate moisture these nematodes search and kill pests. You can also apply spores to fight against grub problem. Root rot is the most common disease that gardeners experience. You can avoid root rot by improving your drainage system. You can also opt for installation of raised garden beds to battle this problem.

What is “CLONING”?

Cloning basically is a method for reproduction used by plants for self-propagation. They can reproduce either sexually or asexually. Cloning plants artificially is not a new concept. You can clone plants at home by using parts like leaf buds, leaves, cuttings and roots. Ideal mediums for cloning are soil, water, sand, oasis cubes, peat moss and rapid rooters. It’s very important to clean the dish or holder before you start the whole cloning process. The root growth is possible only if you provide proper organic and inorganic nutrients. Although cloning is bit complicated concept you can improve with practice.

Following are the most popular methods of cloning:

• Stem cuttings: This is highly preferred method of cloning among growers. Here stem cuttings are taken from the plant and are grown in nutrient rich growing medium. All you have to do is take a 6-8 inches long stem with leaves. Leaves will speed up the rooting cycle through photosynthesis. Now add growing medium in a clean holder and push the stem cutting into the growing medium. If you are cloning plants in water then ensure that you use distilled water. Mix this water with a good rooting solution. Stem cuttings method of cloning is mostly recommended for flowering plants.
• Root cuttings: This is bit complicated method of cloning because one wrong step can destroy the mother plant. This mainly includes cutting a small part of the root. If you wish to clone bud plants, cut the healthy roots of about 3-5 inches long. Cut these roots diagonally and grow them in small cups or pots in growing medium with enough moisture. If done well this method of growing can provide you quick results compared to other methods of cloning.
• Leaf cuttings: Before you try this method it’s very important for you to understand that this method might not work for all kind of plants. To start with the cloning process, take a thick leaf that comes with outlined blades. This leaf will sprout the new plant but not be part of the new plant. Place the leaf on the moist growing medium. With the help of a sharp razor cut the leaf veins (are cells from which new plant sprouts) and plant it into the growing medium. While planting, flatten the leaf with gardening pins and see to it that the leaf and growing medium are well connected.
• Leaf bud cuttings: Leaf buds are small modules from where leaves sprout and become stems. The progress of this method wholly depends on the way you cut the leaf bud from the parent plant. The leaf bud you cut should have an attached stub of about 5 inches. Place the stub in the petri-dish filled with moist growing medium. Remember, the stub should be dipped underside in the rooting hormone. Don’t use too many leaf buds as that will absorb the nutrients quickly.

After you decide the method of cloning, provide enough light, warmth and moisture to encourage faster rooting process. You can cover the clone dishes with plastic covers and place them in some warm place. Ideally, for good cloning, source of adequate light and air flow is required for the whole day and temperature needed is of about 60 to 80º F. You’ll see sprouts or new plants in two weeks and then you can transfer your plant into pots or containers of bigger sizes. With practice and experience you can grow different species of plants anytime!