Most gardeners will have seen these black plastic rooting balls that seem to be suddenly very popular. As shown in the above illustration, you peel away a bit of 'bark' on the plant you wish to propagate, fill the plastic ball with compost, then wrap it around the peeled area.
Roots are supposed to form within two months.
Being an old skinflint, I thought I'd try to save myself a Euro or two, and I used one of Billy's old Tennis balls to do the same job. A small amount of cutting and trimming, and the ball was ready. I'm trying to propagate our beautiful red Oleander.
Unfortunately I shall have to wait until early October to see if it has worked.
My fingers are crossed. I'll let you know!
I haven't seen those special balls but can remember doing the aerial rooting with mother using moss and material tied around it.
ReplyDeleteThese rooting balls just keep it all together and neat, but the principle is the same. I shall be interested to see if it works.
DeleteThat looks interesting, I haven't seen this before. I wonder if Rick would miss any of his tennis balls...
ReplyDeleteHe would happily sacrifice them in the name of horticulture; just ask Billy.
DeleteOnce rooted, then what? Plant in a pot?
ReplyDeleteI have a spot by the pool, just waiting for an Oleander.
DeleteI have just used 2 of these little black balls, I am hopeless at propagating woody plants. Everything crossed for both of us, what are you going to call yours.
ReplyDeleteI thought 'McEnroe' would be appropriate.
DeleteOr layer it along the ground with a metal peg. It works well.
ReplyDeleteI've used that method many times with Fig trees; they lend themselves to it.
DeleteI have never heard of this but if it works, that would be great. I am all about saving money but get even more excited about propagating new life for my gardens.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope that economy and horticulture will meet.
DeleteLooks far better than a plastic bag and tape!
ReplyDeleteBilly keeps looking up at it.
DeleteI must say I haven't seen these Cro. Looks a good idea so shall be interested to see how things go with your economy version.
ReplyDeleteThe way they are advertised, they look infallible. Which is why I didn't buy any; just made my own!
DeleteA great Idea! And to propagate Oleander is tempting too: I have a middle high oleander, rose-colored as I wanted, and to make a cutting is interesting. I don't have an Orangerie for winter - that is always a problem as our cellars are heated and thus not usable for plants. And we are not allowed to put plants into the internal staircase (which is the reason why my beloved oleander from many years died, sob).
ReplyDeleteThis one is our biggest, and best provider of bright red flowers. If it takes, I'll put the new plant by the pool, where it'll look wonderful.
DeleteI’m a bit upset that you are choosing to call it ‘ McEnroe ‘ ..... ‘ Murray ‘ surely 🤣🤣🤣 XXXX
ReplyDeletePeople might think it was named after 'Pete' or 'Mints'; McEnroe is to the point, and is 'serious'.
DeleteFair enough ! XXXX
DeleteWonderful idea ! I can't wait to see if your idea work.
ReplyDeleteMe too.... I have a feeling it will.
DeleteWe'll see. I wonder if the original is black for the heat factor.
ReplyDeleteIt's probably the cheapest colour for plastic; especially if it's been recycled.
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