Variables Involved in Rooting Rhododendron Cuttings

摘要

The mission of the Rhododendron has always been to build and maintain a comprehensive collection of species rhododendrons. Of course this requires that we send collectors into the field to acquire plant material from the entire range and distributionof the genus Rhododendron which implies a great deal of plant variety. Rhododendrons grow from tropical latitudes to the tundras of Siberia and most habitats in between. Much of the plant material that we grow is not in general cultivation and thereforenot commonly propagated, which has led to some difficulty in replicating many of them. As a result of this difficulty, I have come to view the general rules of cutting propagation as variables. Looking at these variables individually has helped me develop practices that have increased our success rate with cutting propagation. By viewing each of these variables as something to be manipulated either individually or in combination and by keeping close records, we have done pretty well with new plant material coming from lands far away. This is of course nothing more than a review of how to use standard propagation practices but I find that review of things such as this are often helpful and seldom done. Also, these principles are valid and important whether you are in commercial production of rhododendrons or are simply aking a few cuttings of your favorite plants to share with friends and chapter members.