I planted a cutting about a month ago that had a small inflow and now flower buds are starting. Does this mean it has started to root? Or is leaf growth a better indicator.

Kalamodo said: I planted a cutting about a month ago that had a small inflow and now flower buds are starting. Does this mean it has started to root? Or is leaf growth a better indicator.

Leaf growth is a better indicator. A mature cutting will start to develop inflo or start to bloom even if not yet planted/rooted. But if there are leaves that is a good sign.

Cuttings with inflos typically take longer to root because it's expending lots of energy on flower production. I would still treat it as a rooting cutting and water sparingly until it actually starts producing leaves.

Thank you. The small leaves appear to be getting larger so guess I'll just need to be patient.
Is there a risk of these small budding leaves to get sunburned? It's in full sun well over 6 hours and has been in the low 90's here in San Diego.

You can try just lightly spraying the exposed stem early in the morning. And if you want water the media lightly but try to go only at the edges, since we do not know if it has managed even one root. Usually if there is at least one fully opened leaf then that is the time I will resume more watering.

From what you said, your area is in the inland side of San Diego, so it is hotter area like ours. Is this plant positioned in full sun? I would move it to part sun only, ideally morning sun area only. When it is a cutting and temps are so extreme, it gets so stressed especially if area is very dry heat. So position in some dappled sun area, if you have no intention of removing the inflo, this will help lessen the heat stress.

tarev said: You can try just lightly spraying the exposed stem early in the morning. And if you want water the media lightly but try to go only at the edges, since we do not know if it has managed even one root. Usually if there is at least one fully opened leaf then that is the time I will resume more watering.

From what you said, your area is in the inland side of San Diego, so it is hotter area like ours. Is this plant positioned in full sun? I would move it to part sun only, ideally morning sun area only. When it is a cutting and temps are so extreme, it gets so stressed especially if area is very dry heat. So position in some dappled sun area, if you have no intention of removing the inflo, this will help lessen the heat stress.

: iagree:

Yes. It's been in full sun all day. Off to part sun it goes! Newbie here so thank you all for the guidance. Hope it roots soon.

Good news. The leaves are not yet fully open but definitely seeing some green and getting larger. Checked the soil with a moisture meter and its dry; and moist deeper in the pot. Should I water and fertilize it once the leaves open and green? We're not quite into winter yet so thought I'd ask.

Kalamodo said: Good news. The leaves are not yet fully open but definitely seeing some green and getting larger. Checked the soil with a moisture meter and its dry; and moist deeper in the pot. Should I water and fertilize it once the leaves open and green? We're not quite into winter yet so thought I'd ask.

_NO Water until leaves reach a more mature state ! Remember, the roots don't need moisture if the soil is moist deep down.