Propagating Murraya

Question

I have been trying to propagate Murrayas’ for 4 years now and have been very unsuccessful (less than 10% success) despite all the published data suggesting I am going about things correctly. My cuttings stay very healthy looking for up to 12 months but do not develop any roots before they eventually wither. I am obviously missing an important part of their processing and ask if you have any ideas off the beaten pathway that can tell me what I am doing wrong.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, this requires much trial and error. The most important things that cause cuttings to fail will be soil that is too moist, has too much nutrients in it, or too chilly.

Soil should be a seedling starting mix, or otherwise nutrientless mix. Too much nutrients in soil will prevent root formation.

Soil moisture is very important! The soil should NOT be wet, or dry. It should only be very slightly moist and remain that way as consistently as possible. A humidity dome will be helpful here, as long as your soil is not over moist.

Low humidity will cause cuttings to fail. A dome will, also, help this.

Temperatures in the upper 70's to mid 80's will be ideal for rooting. If the rooting area is not as warm as it needs to be, then a heating pad may be necessary.

Finally, rooting hormone will be another thing that will help here. There are many kinds, including honey.

Here are some articles that will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/root-stimulating-hormone.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/vinegar-rooting-hormone.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/natural-rooting-methods.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/how-to-root-cuttings-from-various-shrubs-bushes-and-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/making-willow-water.htm