Propagation by cuttings is very popular with gardeners. This can also work in high heat if you pay attention to certain things.
Propagating a plant from cuttings has become very popular among most gardeners. This is because the offspring of the mother plant can be grown much faster and more vigorously from the cuttings than from seeds or root parts. The plant does not have to germinate and strengthen over the years, but can often be planted outside with the cuttings in the same year or even propagated there. Most gardeners undertake propagation in the summer. But what to do when there is heat - will the cuttings grow at all?Getting and planting cuttings
Cuttings are basically shoots that have been separated from the chosen mother plant. Although these may have formed leaves, they are only cut off if they have no flowers or buds. The shoot is usually cut off so that it is about 15 cm long and then grown in a pot or directly in the garden so that it can grow into a stately plant itself. Most gardeners cut off shoots in spring or early summer - this depends on the plant species - and then plant them in potting soil at a suitable location in the garden.
Regular watering helps the cutting to develop its own roots, so that a strong young plant soon emerges from the shoot. With a bit of luck, this rooting will be enough for the cutting to survive the coming winter and turn green again in spring. If that is too risky for you, you can also grow the shoot in a pot with potting soil and bring it into the house before winter. Then, however, it is important to plant it outside in late spring so that the cutting can prepare itself sufficiently for the next winter.
What happens to cuttings when it gets too hot?
If there is a dry and very hot phase in summer, it can happen that the young shoot or cutting dries out quickly and its freshly formed roots too, despite wateringdry up. If the higher water requirement is not adequately met or the dry periods are prevented, the success of plant propagation can be destroyed. At the same time, a location that is too hot can ensure that the young plant gets sunburned and stunted on the non-lignified areas. But heat is by no means the only factor that a young cutting does not tolerate well. Waterlogging can also be responsible for its death due to rotting of the roots, and an unsuitable location or unsuitable substrate can damage it.
Prevent cuttings from dying in heat
If the cutting or young shoot is in a planter or flower pot, it can be placed in a slightly more shady and therefore cooler location without midday sun. If the cutting has already been planted in the garden, moving it is a little more difficult, but it is still worthwhile in serious cases. At best, before planting the cuttings, you should look for a suitable location that is not too sunny, but also not surrounded by shade. This prevents the soil around the cutting from becoming too dry and the roots from drying out.
Water properly when it is hot
During high heat, watering should be done with care. It should never be done in the middle of the day or in the afternoon, as the plant will sunburn even more quickly from water splashes - the water droplets behave like magnifying glasses when exposed to sunlight and therefore intensify them. At best, water in the morning and evening to avoid this magnifying glass effect from the start.
The amount of water is just as important: When it is hot, it can be more generous so that the moisture can combat the severe dryness. Despite the heat, you shouldn't water too much, otherwise waterlogging will occur.
Check the soil with your fingers: If it's still slightly damp to moderately dry, everything is fine. However, if it seems very dry, you should moisten the soil if possible without wetting the plant with water.
Helpful remedies for cuttings in hot weather
If you notice that the soil around the cutting dries out quickly in the warm season, you can give the roots a small advantage with the help of mulch. The layer of mulch retains moisture and also helps keep it in the soil longer - as well as nutrients. The mulch layer can therefore limit and compensate for drought, so that regular watering can be sufficient despite the high heat.
It can also be used athelp a cutting that is in the direct sun to stretch a small awning. This not only provides shade, but also reduces the heat a bit and prevents sunburn.
This is helpful for the cutting in heat
✓ Water only in the morning or evening
✓ check regularly for dryness of the soil
✓ possibly create a layer of mulch
✓ set up a small awning
✓ choose a semi-shady location with well-drained soil from the start
This will damage the cutting in heat
✗ Water at midday so that a magnifying glass effect could occur
✗ direct sunny location at midday