Hi. I was wondering if anyone here has ever used rock wool to start cuttings off with? I was just curious and always looking to perfect my technique. Many thanks and happy figgings.

Yep I did and it works great.


http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Mini-greenhouse-2-liter-soda-bottle-6119351

Donald, there have been several conversations about rock wool on the forum.  You can try using the search function on the top right above your name to see what was said.

Tried rock wool back in Oct/Nov. because I heard so many great things about it....followed the suggested methods here on the Forum, but could not get any of my cuttings to root in it...not sure what I did wrong ???   I have some cubes left over and may try again at some time in the future. 

Vince,

You have to use some chemical to activate it. Or you can use lemon juice instead.
Did you do that?

I went with a similar ( but ) different method and seems to be working for me.

Good luck

Thanks friends. 

Rafed...I scored the cuttings and used 'dip n grow' to activate it...also placed it in a warm area, but could not get any roots...I used 3 different varities of cuttings, but no success....will try again at another time.....Thank you for your advice.

Vince,

When you do apply the chemical or lemon juice to the rock wool make sure you wait at least 24 to 48 hours to insert the cuttings into the little hole. I never use any type of rooting hormones, not a fan of any kind.

PS I dont like rooting hormone either this was the first and last time I will use it.
I just figured what the heck but it didn't do anything in my opinion so no more hormone for me.

Ok,  I will try the lemon juice the next time I use rock wool cubes...Thank you Rafed.

I did a rock wool experiment that I posted a bunch of pictures of two months ago.  My overall experience with rock wool is that it is inferior to hand crafted soils.  It holds too much water, not enough air, and is too dense for roots to penetrate easily.  My figs, roses, and other plants consistently do better in soil than rock wool.  I have been stubborn and this is a lesson I have learned many times.  :-(

I'm just surprised no one has mentioned the laborious task of shearing Rock Sheep on this thread yet. Where else would you get Rock Wool from?

If not for spinning stone into wool, I reckon there would be no other way Bill.

What do you do with lemon juice to activate the rockwool? do you rinse it off afterwards?

Bob,

Not too sure what the ratio is but I think it's one lemon to 1 gallon of water. But I will not swear by it.
I stopped reading into it when I foundout I need to mix chemicals with it.

I just can't remember what the chemical stuff was.

The lemon juice is used to get the rockwool to 6.5ph.  About 5ml of fresh squeezed lemon juice per 3 liters.

- Greg. I tried that with the stones but I had a hard time spinning my drop spindle and holding the stone at the same time. Maybe I was starting with too big of a rock. I'll try pebbles next time.............. Your turn ;) . 

Ok, I think I have decided against rock wool. Thanks all, esp: Rafed, Tony and Octo.