Keeping the tops of your cuttings cool-Part 2 of 4
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As I wrote in part 1, keeping the tops of your cuttings cool greatly increases the odds of them rooting.
So how do we keep the tops of the cuttings cool?
Using an intermittent misting system is one way of keeping the tops cool. As the mist lands on the leaves of the cuttings, it will immediately lower the temperature slightly. For some propagators, this is enough to keep the cuttings from getting heat stressed. Other propagators may find that they need to lower the temperature even more by other means, namely shadecloth or other shade producing structures.
Shadecloth comes in many forms, and can range from as little as 40% shade to 95% shade. To clear thing up a bit, 40% shadecloth will reduce the amount of sunlight falling on the cuttings by 40%. That may not sound like much, but if you reduce the amount of direct sun that falls upon your cuttings, you do three things:
1. Reduce the temperature of the leaves
2. Reduce the amount of mist you need to keep the cuttings moist
3. Stop the magnifying effect that drops of water have on leaves
The mist that lands on the leaves already lowers the temperature a small amount, but providing shade for the cuttings will lower it even more by reducing direct sunlight on the leaves.
Providing shade may allow you to reduce the amount of mist required to keep the cuttings moist. Less direct sun means there will be slower evaporation. Slowing down the evaporation rate will allow you to reduce the seconds of mist or lengthen the interval between mists. This will surely reduce water consumption and may also help keep your stems healthier (more on that later).
When a cutting is in direct sunlight and a drop of water is on a leaf, that drop essentially turns into a small magnifying glass, intensifying the sunlight into a small area. You remember as a kid using a magnifying glass to burn small holes in leaves, or torturing small insects, right? Well, that is exactly what those droplets of water do in direct sun. Providing shade reduces the magnifying glass effect of those droplets, which in turn reduces the temperature under the droplet and stress on the leaves.
Are there alternatives to shadecloth?
Of course! You can use lathes or lattice. Lathes are nothing more than small strips of thin wood that are attached to a frame that allows you to position the shade over your cuttings. The lathes are laid out so there is a space between each one.One drawback with shade provided by homemade lathe is not knowing the percentage of shade. The drawing below represents approximately 25% shade.
Lattice may be the better choice because it comes straight from the factory with a known percentage of shade; approximately 50%. If you find that is not enough, simply add a few extra strips to the lattice to reduce it even more.
Simply find the easiest way to hold your lathe or lattice over your cuttings and you have instant shade! You can do this by sinking a few 2×4s in the ground right beside the misting bed and attach the lattice or lathes to them.
If you currently mist in full sun, try providing shade to your cuttings. You may be surprised at the results.
For detailed reports on how to build your own misting system to propagate plants for fun and profit, Click Here Now!
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