greene said:Some cuttings that are rooted in water will form roots, but the roots may be too weak to make the transition to being planted in soil.
I usually root my cuttings in damp vermiculite. When I lift the cuttings they have a strong root system, some vermiculite adheres to the roots and the plants easily make the change to being planted in soil. For me it is 'trail and error' to know which plants like to root in water and which prefer to root in other medium. I am sure someone with more experience will come along with a better answer.
Zencat said:I agree with Greene. There are lots of studies that have been done on water rooting vs in soil. Roots done in water appear to be less stable as they have adjusted to light being on them. Being placed suddenly in the dark make them even less stable and much weaker. I would follow Green's advice.
You seem to have done very well with your plants. Trial and error teaches us many things. Mostly what works best for you. Good luck with your plants!
Horntoad said:You have two questions temperature and hormones. Plants need warmth to germinate or root, around 22 degrees or more. Hormones are usually recommended for rooting plants, but not always necessary. Some plants root so well on their own there is no need for it. Some may root faster while others it is very necessary. If you are having success without hormones then I would say, just keep doing what you are doing.
Shadegardener said:Coleus usually root well in damp vermiculite without rooting hormone but I do use it just to ensure success. You can take cuttings anytime. Pinch out any flowering tips. I like to plant at least two sets of leaf nodes (minus the leaves) below the soil line. Bright light is fine but no direct sun. You can invert a clear plastic cup or container over the cuttings for the first week or two to keep moisture close to the leaves until the roots start forming. Do let a little fresh air in under the "domes" every day. They should root in a couple of weeks. Water the vermiculite if it starts getting dry.