USES AND EXAMPLES 



43 



We seldom attempt to start cuttings from green wood out of 

 doors. These are first rooted in boxes of sand or very light soil in 

 some protected spot where close attention may be given to them. 

 Principles Involved. — There are several important principles 

 to be kept in mind in rooting green wood cuttings. 



1. There is much exposed evaporating surface which must be 

 reduced by use of the knife or scissors. 



2. The supply of moisture must be ample so that the cutting 

 can obtain as much moisture as its leaf surface is giving off during 

 the critical period before it develops roots. 



3. Clean, sharp sand is best for the starting of young roots, as 

 there is less tendency to decay of the epidermis or covering of the 

 stem thrust into it. 



4. Plenty of warmth must be provided without allowing too 

 rapid evaporation. For this reason the box of cuttings may be 

 kept in a sunny exposure but covered with newspaper or glass to 

 retard evaporation. Extra heat supplied from below is helpful, and 

 can be provided if the cuttings 

 are being started in green- 

 houses or homes. 



5. The cutting has no 

 means of taking up nourish- 

 ment during the rooting 

 period; it must therefore be 

 supplied with plenty of nour- 

 ishment within itself. Some- 

 what fleshy parts, preferably 

 including a bud are desired for 

 the best results. 



Uses and Examples.— 

 Green wood cuttings are ex- 

 tremely useful in the propaga- 

 tion of many of our potted 

 plants. (Fig. 28.) Geraniums 

 and begonias have already 

 been mentioned. Chrysanthemums and carnations are commonly 

 propagated in the early spring for the fall and winter crops of 

 blossoms. Many of our foliage plants grown in borders and orna- 

 mental beds are propagated in-doors during late winter and early 

 spring months. Many roses are propagated almost entirely by cut- 

 tingsof the immaturewood. . Numerousother examples arecommon. 



Fiq. 28. 



-Making beds of cuttings of roses 

 and other indoor plants. 



