Grow Rhododendrons from cuttings
Mix sanitizing solution; 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Will be applied to cutting & used to sterilizes tools.
Sanitize a plastic pot or other container. Mix peat moss & perlite 50/50. Add warm water to get a moist but crumbly rooting substance. Put it in the pot.
Water the rhododendron 1-2 days before cutting it, to ensure that the plants is hydrated.
If possible, select a branch that grows upright & has a terminal bud at the end. If this isn’t possible, remove the flower bud before taking the cutting. Avoid: branches near the top & branches that turened brown.
After sanitizing your cutting tool, take a 6-7.5 cm long cutting.
Leave 4-6 leaves near the tip of the cutting, remove all other. Cut off 1/3 to 1/2 of each remaining leaves.
Cut two 2.5 cm long slivers near the bottom of the cutting, to create wounds that will help the root grow. Should be on opposite sides of the cutting.
Dip the cutting in the sanitizing solution for 2-3 seconds.
Dip the wounded part of the cutting into a rooting hormone powder.
Place the cutting in the rooting substrate. Water around it & cover the pot with a clear plastic bag. Secure the bag with a rubber band to prevent moisture to escape.
Place the pot in a light spot, but not in direct sunlight. Ideally the soil should be 21°C.
Allow the cuttings 2-4 months to develop roots. After 2 months, gently remove the soil to see if there’s roots. Once it begin rooting it can be transplanted to a pot or outdoors.
Picture: Rhododendron arborescens (smooth azalea, sweet azalea). Information: How to Start Rhododendrons From Cuttings.
