Prop boxes

Growing plants & making new ones

I was going to share my propagation boxes, once I finished the first month. To track progress during that time. However, after receiving a question in the comments section of my last post, I thought, why not share what I know to date? Like, where I first learned about prop boxes, different growing mediums to use, etc.

It all started when I first acquired some indoors plants. Youtube is where I went looking for knowledgeable mentors, to keep those plants alive. There are many wonderful mentors I watch, but Harli G, is where I first learned about prop boxes. This video, in particular:

Almost 15 minutes

Notes about the video: (1) I haven't needed, and don't use the mosquito bits, (2) I've only tried the shoe-box size container, which are incredibly cheap to buy a pack of three, and finally (3) when she mentions exposing the boxes to direct sunlight, she really means indirect light. Coming through the window, and into the container in her house, is still filtered light. Even when there is no barrier like a curtain.

I made the mistake of putting direct light on my boxes when outside. They overheated and cooked some of the smaller node cuttings.  So now my outside prop boxes, are under shade. The main thing is to give them plenty of light and warmth. The growing medium and container, creates humidity.

There was another prop box video, I discovered more recently. It outlines the same concept, with a few more ideas. 

About 12 minutes

When referring to green moss in the video, it's more commonly known as sphagnum moss. I don't know about your location, but my regular garden supply stores, aren't stocking sphagnum moss any more. My guess is, due to the lock-downs and people keeping more indoors plants, nurseries are increasing demand for various growing mediums, for propagation. 

So the average plant person, may find it challenging to secure sphagnum moss. Never fear however, as there are alternatives. Perlite. Usually sold as a potting-mix amendment, to increase drainage and aeration - it can also be used, in the place of sphagnum moss.  

I just started a new prop box, trying this new medium:

Semi-hardwood cuttings - Day 1

I'll share more in a month. It's a little different to the first one, where the medium covers the entire base of the container. These separate vessels however, allow comparisons between the different medium's performance, in the same box. The cups are also better at holding, upright cuttings too.

If this works, I'll be really happy. As I've struggled propagating plants for the property, for a while. It's expensive buying them as tube-stock, and even more heartbreaking when they die! Unreliable rainfall of the past, has been known to make that happen a lot. So hopefully I can turn a corner, with this new method of propagation.

And it all started, by keeping indoors plants!