how long to give root cutting?

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I was curious how long you wait for a root cutting to show signs of life before giving up? I have no idea if it’s like a month or a year and i figured it’d be handy to have a broad range in mind
 

penumbra

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There is no amount of time that can be given because all plants are different. What have you got?
 
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There is no amount of time that can be given because all plants are different. What have you got?

Kind of a whole array really. I haven't done much with cuttings before. A thickish bougie sucker branch seems to be doing well, but a korean hornbeam root that's been sitting around for a bit is doing nothing.

I like fishing, but I at least like to know there are actually fish there in the river that are outsmarting me if I'm not catching anything, if you know what I mean.
 

penumbra

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I like fishing, but I at least like to know there are actually fish there in the river that are outsmarting me if I'm not catching anything, if you know what I mean.
I know exactly what you mean and I suggest using a different bait.
Some plants will never grow from root cuttings. Some take weeks and some take years.
If this is a passion for you, gift yourself a copy of The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. I am wearing out my 3rd copy.
Otherwise, but more specific about the plant and someone will respond.
Best of luck.
 
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I know exactly what you mean and I suggest using a different bait.
Some plants will never grow from root cuttings. Some take weeks and some take years.
If this is a passion for you, gift yourself a copy of The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. I am wearing out my 3rd copy.
Otherwise, but more specific about the plant and someone will respond.
Best of luck.

cool! I’ll look into that book.
 

Shibui

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Some of the plants on that list are really easy, others were added on advice from others but I have had zero success so far. Elms and Hawthorn are 2 of the types we use that are easier so worth trying for beginners. It is highly likely there are other species that can grow from root cuttings but no-one has thought to try or added the to the list. If it is not there it is always worth a try just to see for yourself.

Timing is more about the tree's natural growing cycle than calendar months after taking the cuttings. Start looking for buds and shoots a few weeks after the species normally leafs out in your area.

You should see buds around the top of easy species in a few weeks and shoots growing in a month or so after the species normally leafs out.
Some of the more reluctant ones do take 3 or 4 months to sprout new shoots.

I can usually pick failed cuttings when they start to shrivel up. Occasionally some will die back a bit at the top but are still OK further down and will sometimes shoot. I have had trident maple root cuttings stay healthy and solid for 2 years but none have ever sprouted so while looking good holds hope it does not always mean success.
 
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Some of the plants on that list are really easy, others were added on advice from others but I have had zero success so far. Elms and Hawthorn are 2 of the types we use that are easier so worth trying for beginners. It is highly likely there are other species that can grow from root cuttings but no-one has thought to try or added the to the list. If it is not there it is always worth a try just to see for yourself.

Timing is more about the tree's natural growing cycle than calendar months after taking the cuttings. Start looking for buds and shoots a few weeks after the species normally leafs out in your area.

You should see buds around the top of easy species in a few weeks and shoots growing in a month or so after the species normally leafs out.
Some of the more reluctant ones do take 3 or 4 months to sprout new shoots.

I can usually pick failed cuttings when they start to shrivel up. Occasionally some will die back a bit at the top but are still OK further down and will sometimes shoot. I have had trident maple root cuttings stay healthy and solid for 2 years but none have ever sprouted so while looking good holds hope it does not always mean success.

Interesting

Well, I guess they aren't really taking up much space right now so they have until I need to stack some firewood this fall
 
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