| Why use a misting system? | | | | through a process called transpiration. This |
| Rooting cuttings is actually quite easy when using a | | | | transpiration process is quite similar to our perspiring |
| misting system. Prior to misting systems, nursery | | | | because it allows the plant to release water through |
| owners and plant propagators had to use other | | | | its leaves which cools the plant off. This transpiration |
| methods such as wooden boxes with glass or plastic | | | | process is what actually draws the water up the |
| covers over them. These covers kept the cuttings in | | | | cuttings stem and incorrect amount of water on and |
| a moist environment which allowed them to root. A | | | | around the cutting can greatly affect the process. |
| few drawbacks to this method is the length of time | | | | How a misting system controls the environment |
| and possibility of creating the right conditions for | | | | around a softwood cutting. |
| diseases and fungus. | | | | A misting system controls the environment two |
| Intermittent mist allows the propagator more control | | | | ways. |
| over the conditions the cuttings are in. The | | | | - It controls the amount of mist the cuttings receive. |
| frequency and duration of the mist can be controlled | | | | - It controls how often the cuttings receive the mist. |
| to allow the cutting to get the correct amount of | | | | The amount of mist a cutting receives is called the |
| moisture to keep them hydrated and cool. Hydration | | | | duration. This duration can be anywhere from a few |
| and temperature control around the cutting are vital | | | | seconds to a few minutes depending on the |
| to the cuttings ability to form roots. | | | | environment and conditions the cuttings are being |
| Keeping the cuttings hydrated is essential to | | | | rooted in. Typically the duration would be between 6 |
| successfully root softwood cuttings. The moisture | | | | and 14 seconds when rooting woody ornamentals. |
| that is deposited on the cuttings leaves and rooting | | | | How often the cuttings receive mist is called the |
| medium allows the cutting to live without roots. the | | | | frequency. This frequency can be between 2 to 10 |
| moisture is drawn up into the cutting through the | | | | minutes, again, depending on the specifics of the |
| stem where it supplies the plant with moisture. Too | | | | rooting environment. Typically the frequency would |
| much water in the rooting medium can cause the | | | | be 5 or 10 minutes for woody ornamentals. |
| stems to rot and a misting system is a great way to | | | | Properly setting up the misting system to deliver the |
| control the amount of moisture in the rooting | | | | correct amount of moisture to the cuttings ensures |
| medium. | | | | they are in an environment that is suitable for rooting. |
| Another thing the moisture that is deposited on a | | | | Part 2 will address other factors to consider when |
| cutting does is to keep the cutting cool. Plants go | | | | rooting softwood cuttings. |