http://www.saps.org.uk/saps-associates/browse-q-and-a/599-why-do-cuttings-root-faster-when-half-their-leaves-are-removed

Hi, I don't know if this story can apply also to adeniums.

For grafts, cuttings and root training I cut of some leaves, removed all leaves and leave only the top young leaves. Some leaves I cut of in halve.

All have worked but I believe that with only a few top young leaves on it works best.

Maybe due to the anatomy of adenium ?

Stuart

Root training · More Info

Thank you Stuart for your comments and the link.. It certainly makes sense to reduce the leaf surface to reduce moisture loss.. I am experimenting with 7-month old seedlings with a limited number of leaves so perhaps the leaf cutting won't be necessary with them.. I will definitely follow the leaf reduction protocol on larger plants in the future.. Are those styrofoam rings on your plants in your pic?. How are they supposed to work?

If I will to cut it for root training, I will cut it at the red line. If it were to be cut as above, the roots grown is not balance.

Tony. Yes you are right but I'm trying different styles.

The pruning of a portion of the leaves would be to reduce/slow growth, stress and transpiration of the plant while it puts is energy into producing new roots.

Cutting of the leaves in half on a plant not going through the rigors of root pruning can also slow particular branches on a specimen down, allowing others to grow. Done at times on all leaves to allow more light into the center of the plant.

By cutting the leaf in half, is known to stimulate hormone/auxins to assist in root growth.

Rick

Nice, Tony!

Paradiseprinces, I shared these last year on another post. The seedlings were a year old at the time they were photographed and were cut at age 5 months. I simply repotted on top of a button and kept on the dry side for about a month. Here are some pictures of their root development from below. The bottom surface will seal off and be smooth.

Maria Elena