Propagating cuttings using Forsythe Pots ~

[zuzu's petals]

Then the sole purpose of the pot in the center, is for watering?

If you are asking about the Forsythe pot,
then yes, that's right, you just keep the little pot in the center filled with water ...
(this is why the little one must be terracotta and it must have the bottom drainhole sealed off).
The water (from inside the center pot) wil seep very slowly
right through the walls of the terracotta pot, keeping the vermiculite evenly moist at all times ...
this is also the reason why the size of the two pots, relative to each other, is crucial, for this to work properly.

I also check to be sure that there is always some water down in the saucer.

The benefit for the cuttings is that they are constantly kept at a very even level of moisture.
I'm certain that some of my cutting propagations used to fail because
my watering schedule created difficulty for tiny and tender developing root fibers.
Back then, my pots of medium would become just a little too dry before I watered,
and then, perhaps, just a bit too wet immediately after I watered them.

The Forsythe system provides a stable moisture environment.

Keeping the pot in a location where you can control the stability of other factors
(such as temperature and light levels) is also going to help with success.

[missg]

I'd sure give it a try.
I think that semi-hardwood cuttings would be my choice.

I also know that Forsythia roots pretty well if you scrape the bottom side of a stem gently
(without cutting it from the mother plant) and pin it to the ground with something like a rock or a brick.
I've done that with several types of shrubs that grow long flexible stems,
and had pretty good luck.

I usually leave the stem pinned like that for a few months before cutting it free.
They tend to grow enough good roots that you actually have to dig them up,
and you have a really sturdy, good-sized plant all ready to replant.

I once forgot that I had done this with an Azalea,
and left it that way from one spring all the way 'til the next ...
by the time I dug it up, it was almost as big as the parent plant.

When would be the best time of the year to try this method with Azalea?

[zuzu's petals]

When would be the best time of the year to try this method with Azalea?

As far as I know, Ground Layering like this can be done at any time of the year, Gale.

If I were to do this in the fall in an area that gets colder winter weather than I do down here in zone 8,
I think that I'd actually dig a little trench, maybe a couple of inches deep,
and lay the branch that I was trying to root down in the trench,
then cover it back up with soil, just to give it a bit more protection.

[mickeys_rose]

Just stumbled upon this site and it is a great idea especially with spring coming and everyone egar to get their hands dirty and start to swap.
Great job zuzu, now I really do know why they name you

The Great zuzu !

[Pushin-up-Daisies]

I'm here 2 say that by far Zuzu's forsythe pot rooting system is the best & quickest rooting system u can try. the only 1 I will ever use again, very effective,love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Diane]

I agree PUD,, best ever...Truly works! Thanks ZuZu! You Rock!

[zuzu's petals]

Many thanks
I learned about this method on the internet myself and I love sharing it with others.

While it is not appropriate for all plants, it is still far-and-away my favorite way of propagating a great many of my plants.

[Marianna]

Zuzu thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!
I would like to ask you, have you ever tried to propagate brugmania cuttings with forsythe pot?

Thank you so much
Marianna

[SDB777]

I'm glad this is a "Sticky" so it remains at the top of the forum.



Scott (great info/informative post) B

[zuzu's petals]

Thanks Scott and Marianna.
From the first time I tried the Forsythe pots myself, I just loved them,
and felt sure that others would too, so I've been spreading the word.
It's similar to some other methods I used, but this way just brings it all together so effectively.

I would like to ask you, have you ever tried to propagate brugmania cuttings with forsythe pot?

No, I have never used the Forsythe pots for them, never actually thought of it to tell the truth.
My habit with Brugs is to let the cut stems stand in some water for a brief period,
and then to move them directly into potting medium when I see the first signs of rooting.

I don't grow too many different Brugs, and I just treat 'em all pretty much the same and hope for the best,
it's the "natural attrition system".
Those types that don't like the conditions which I can provide don't last too long with me,
but one of our members, karmahappytoes, is a total whiz with Brugs,
and she truly knows all the ins and outs of which ones respond best to which conditions and how to successfully propagate each.

[Marianna]

Thank you Zuzu.
I'll try this method and I'll let you know.
Thank you soooooooooo much

[Red_Stick]

This method sounds so efficient and makes so much sense...I am on it! THX.

[dpiautb]

I want to make Forsythe Pots but am having trouble locating vermiculite. Apparently where I live, Lowe's and Home Depot don't carry vermiculite any more. Is there something else like perlite that can be used instead?
Steve

[pooh]

That is funny i am having the some trouble here i cant find any what is the deal i live by me forsythe pots .

[needmoresoil]

I couldn't find any in my town either. I had to order mine on line...and pay shipping! woohoo! (NOT!) I hate shipping! Anyway, when I went to a bigger sutherlands in a town almost an hour away, they had some. Maybe these stores could special order it for you?