Propagating Indigo Spires

17 years ago

Well, my dog has done it again, and I have a piece of Indigo Spires about 12 inches long that I'd like to save if possible. My question is: better to try and root in water or in soiless mix with rooting hormone? Or...worst of all- is this a waste of time to try?

Thanks for any hints you can share.

-Nan

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

rich_dufresne
17 years ago
As long as it is in an active state of growing, you should be able to root it in about 2-3 weeks. Use the soiless mix, with or without hormone. Don't use tip growth or woody stem for the portion in the medium, and make sure that the submerged firm green stem has at least one node with the leaves removed. This will allow subterranean branching to develop as the plant grows. The cutting need only be around 6 - 8 inches long.
nberg7
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you Rich! I can't tell you how many plants I've had to learn to propagate because of big clomping dog feet. LOL There's always an upside: more plants!
-Nan
Related Professionals
Carlisle Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Parole Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Rancho Cordova Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Allentown Landscape Contractors · Federal Way Landscape Contractors · Mahwah Landscape Contractors · Raleigh Landscape Contractors · Round Lake Landscape Contractors · Watertown Landscape Contractors · Quartz Hill Landscape Contractors · Destin Siding & Exteriors · Greenville Siding & Exteriors · Largo Siding & Exteriors · Lenoir Siding & Exteriors · San Bernardino Siding & Exteriors
Heathen1
17 years ago
Don't do it in water... I had to get a cutting of indigo spires in water, I had no alternative at the time... it was a waste of time. :o(
annette68_gw
17 years ago
Hello,

Luckily Indigo Spires is one off the easy salvias to propagate.Imagine what would happen if your dog chose the ones that are not so easy to propagate.

Cheers Annette
nberg7
Original Author
17 years ago
Isn't that the truth Annette. She broke a different one off about a month ago and I never got around to picking up the stalk, so when it rained a bunch of mulch covered it in a few places. Lo and behold I have about 6 babies coming up off of that broken piece now. At least we know that layering works quite well with IS! I just thought I'd try the old fashioned way this time. Can't tell you how many baby hydrangeas I've had to grow from dog paw damage. :-)

Sorry about your water failure Heathen. Like that screen name by the way!

-Nan
Heathen1
17 years ago
thank you! I wanted to be a Dirty Heathen, but that name was taken. :D Well, now I have to buy another....sigh! :D oh well! I rooted a cutting off the old plant, gave it to my neighbor, but she's growing it strangely, it only has one branch, so I can't take a cutting off of it.
annette68_gw
17 years ago
Hello Heathen,

Be a devil, take a bit off the top off Lol.

Annette
Heathen1
17 years ago
:o) Yeah, I have thought that... as I have looked over the fence at it dreamily... but I've already ordered another, it should be here today! *crossing fingers* along with a van Houtteii (spelling) that I killed this winter.
annette68_gw
17 years ago
Hi Heathen,

My vanhoutti and indigo spires are thriving at the moment.2 very beautiful salvias.

Cheers Annette