|
|
We set up an X-stream 20 site propagator with salvia cuttings and thought we would show you how easy it is to use and get explosive growth in your plants using Aeroponic Propagation. Setting up an X-stream propagator is extremely simple. Place your tank in position and set up your pump and delivery system in the system as shown in the picture. If you're using a heater position it on the base of the tank next to the pump. Using a heater in our propagators gives you a better chance of achieving a good ambient temperature, perfect for cuttings. Fill the tank with water and run the pump to test. It is not necessary to adjust the pH unless it is extremely high (8.0 or above).
Take your cuttings in the usual manner - cleanly cut with a sterile scalpel or sharp knife at a 45 degree angle. Small cuttings with a small leaf surface area are most likely to succeed.
Wrap your clone collar around the cutting and position in the net pot. There should be about 1-2cm of stem showing below the clone collar.
As each cutting is taken, place it in position in the propagator and replace the lid after each one.
When all the cuttings required are taken, ensure the delivery system is running continuously, the lid is on and the vent is closed. |
.bmp)
.bmp)
.bmp)
X Stream Update 1
 |
It has been 7 days since we started the cuttings in the Xstream 20 site propagator. The delivery system has been running constantly and the heater has been running at 23C.
|
.bmp) |
The first roots are present on most of the cuttings. Transplanting would be possible at this stage, but we would prefer the roots to be a little stronger.
|
.bmp) |
In order to continue we now add a very weak dose of complete hydroponic growth nutrient. We used NL Evolution at 1/4 strength which was around 2.5ml/Litre. If you're using other nutrients use the relative dose according to the manufacturers instructions. Adding nutrient at this stage encourages further root growth.
|
X Stream Update 2
 |
3 days later and the roots are starting to grow beyond the net pots. This is the ideal time to transplant into a growing medium. |
.bmp) |
Remove the net pot and clone collar from your cuttings, taking care not to damage the roots or stem. It is best to handle the cutting by its leaves.
|
.bmp) |
If transplanting into compost or coco fibres do so in a traditional manner in small pots. If you are transplanting into 3" Grodan Cubes there are two options available. In both cases pre-soak all rockwool with 1/2 strength nutrient solution as usual. |
.bmp) |
When using Grodan SBS blocks cut the block in half and sandwich the cutting between the pieces with the roots protruding from the bottom of the block. |
.bmp) |
Gently push the SBS block into the 3" Cube as usual |
.bmp) |
When using Grodan Grow Cubes position the cutting neatly in the hole in the 3" cube. |
.bmp) |
Then gently pack the the Grow Cubes to fill the hole and support the cutting. |
.bmp) |
The cuttings we have transplanted can still be protected under the propagator lid as shown, but we are now keeping the vent open to harden them off. |
x Stream Update 3
 |
Its four days since our last update and top growth is now obvious in both the cuttings still in the propagator and the transplanted cuttings, and root development has continued.
|
.bmp) |
We added a second dose of NL Evolution nutrient (2.5ml/litre) bringing the total dose rate to about half strength. At this point you should look to remove the lid as soon as conditions allow, to harden the cuttings off ready for transplanting. Just two weeks after taking the cuttings they are now extremely strong and almost ready for transplanting to a Nutriculture Active Hydro system.
|
x Stream Update 4
 |
Another week has gone by and the cuttings in the propagator and now ready for transplanting after a total of 21 days to a Nutriculture Active Hydro system.
|
.bmp) |
If you are transplanting to an NFT system like a Gro-Tank it is a good idea to use a 3" Grodan Cube with a hole punched through the bottom as shown. The means that the cutting can be transplanted but the block provides support for the vital early stages of growth. |
.bmp) |
The cuttings we tranplanted to alternative growing media in the traditional manner are now progressing well and roots are now visible on the outside of all the options which we tried. No other method of propagation ensures as much success at propagating cuttings or prepares them for transplanting into a Nutriculture Active Hydro system as quickly. |
.bmp) |
This concludes our X-Stream Grow With Us. If you are interested in growing plants aeroponically to maturity check out our Amazon Grow With Us for some unbelievable results! Click here |
