I currently have some cuttings in bags on top of my fridge. Would it be better to use my heat mat that I use for sprouting seeds? It keeps an even warm temp (approximately 80 degrees). I could set my bags on it. Anyone ever do this?

John
Gibsonville, NC
Zone 7

I found that rooting using any heat source led to more mold and no significant change in roots.  I have totaly removed heat from all steps of my rooting process, and have noticed mroe stability in my results with almost no mold, even if I don't clean thoroughly by scrubbing with soap and dunking in a very light (8%-10%) bleach solution.

If the cuttings are to close or "touching" the heat mat they will get cooked. There have been several reports of that mistake this year. You want to warm the air, not cook the cuttings.

The method I used was tossing it into my entertainment center with the bag fully inflated (inflated per Jon's suggestions/observations). Between my Tivo, my HTPC and stereo receiver, the temps in that cabinet stay around 85*F, so ... it was nice, no heating mats required, no direct contact with heat.

I just didn't see any benefit, other mold production being sped up - and only by a smidge.

I used to use heat mat (not in close contact) and I did notice some acceleration of rooting but at the same time noticed acceleration of mold and rot. It becomes a race between rooting and rotting. You may get some early rooting but many roted or molded cuttings. I have been doing baggie method rooting at room ambient with patience for the last two years and have not lost a cutting to mold or rot. However, my frustration comes after rooting by losing some to leaf drooping (swinging pendulum- either root rot with over-watering or root drying with under-watering when distracted).  

I think I'll save the mat for seeds. Thanks for the advice, everyone.

John
Zone 7 NC

OK, here's what I have done so far. I rinsed off my cuttings from Mifig4fun and wrapped them in damp paper towels. The bundles are now in big zip-lock bags on top of my fridge. Prior to sealing, I blew some air into the bags.
Right now, they have minor condensation in the bags but not a ton of extra moisture. Does this sound OK?

John
Zone 7 NC

I would say sounds fine, I usually check on them every 2-3 days to check for initials or mold. Blowing the bag back up everytime I check on the cuttings it I notice the papertowel is a little too dry I just mist them with a squirt bottle.

It looks like I have the initial wisps of mold forming on one bundle. I rinsed them off and re-wrapped in clean paper towels. I'm holding all of the bags open for a few hours to air them out.
What about liquid rooting hormone? The one I have includes a fungicide. Would a dip in this stuff be a good idea?

John
Zone 7 NC