Here are some pictures of my cuttings after 1 week. So far so good although I haven't seen roots yet, but I have noticed calluses and some have leaves.  A few started to rot on the top ends of the cutting so I just cut the rot off.

The cuttings in the bins are covered with sp moss and no light.  The smaller cuttings have leafed out while being buried in the moss, while a few that were scored are callused.  I am still learning how to use this camera to get good closeup shots.

Thanks for looking!

Looks like your doing everything right there JoAnn, with the various methods you are using I'm believing you are going to have roots real soon. Nice job & good luck.

PS. Looks like you'r getting the hang of that camera. Those look like some mighty fine closeups to me.

Just a tip: biggest nemesis with Spag moss is too much water. Squeeze the moss as much as possible and fluff it up when around the cutting in bag or cup. Also you should break it up as much as possible before wetting it. It gives it more volume and allows the roots room to stretch out. You will get less chance of mold on tips.

I have also found that allowing the roots to get a bit longer than recommended helps to establish the vital lateral roots once in cups. These are your feeder roots that allow nutrients to enter the tree as it grows.

Looking good Jo-Ann

thoughts on breaking off the leaf growth?

Impressive, Jo-Ann!  You rock with that camera!  I love those root initials! 

Suzi

Thanks everyone!

Tim - you think I should break off the new growth?  I don't have a problem with that.  I was surprised to see it since they are buried, and get very little light.

It might make sense to break it off because there are no roots yet to support it.  I never do break off those shoots, and sometimes they are low and get burried, but they do seem to come up as a side shoot later. 

Suzi

I wouldn't break off the shoot.  It will provide energy for the cutting.  I would put it in the light and be sure the bedding doesn't dry out.