hi,
its my first time working with cuttings and i put them in 60% potting soil and 40% perlite. i've taped half of an empty plastic soda bottle on top of the pot to create a greenhouse. my question is, with all the humidity, won't there be mold growth?

i'm already seeing a bit of fuzzy growths on the top of one of my cuttings. what is the proper way to construct or air out these greenhouses to prevent mold?

i planted these cuttings two weeks ago, and then just recently read about the whole plastic baggy method. is it too late for me to try that method instead? i have 6 cuttings total, so i'm ok with trying another method.

if i do use the plastic baggy method, do i just wrap up the entire cutting in damp newspaper (leaving the ends uncovered) and put the bag somewhere warm? do i need to vent the bag to prevent mold?

thanks!
jen

thanks!
jen

You don't need to tape the top cover because you need to remove the top periodically to air the cutting and the soil. Make sure the soil is not soggy but only moist. I would suggest that in future you wet the soil and then squeeze the water out and place it around the cutting and gently press the soil. If you keep the top over it and periodically air it then the moisture in the soil will be enough to last until rooting. Don't water until the soil really gets dry.

Yes, you have to open the bag in the baggy method to air the cutting and help prevent the mold. There is a give and take as far as temperature is concerned in the baggy method and that is higher temperature may expedite rooting but also expedite probability of mold formation where as room ambient will slow down rooting a bit but reduce chance of mold.  Good luck.

You need humidity and fresh air, in balance. too much of either causes problems.  Even when rooting in a bag, you need to keep the air refreshed from time to time.

Thanks for the suggestions!