Citrus Growers Forum

Las Palmas Norte · Posted: Thu 13 Apr, 2006 12:37 am

When growing cuttings from Meyer lemon, what is the recommended diameter of the cuttings? Any hints for success are also welcome .... Cheers, and thanks in advance.

Laaz · Posted: Thu 13 Apr, 2006 12:41 am

Meyer will root like weeds. Any size up to pencil thickness will do. Cut off all but the last three or four leaves at the tip of the stick. You can use a rooting hormone, but my son just sticks them in plain old potting mix. Keep the mix moist but not wet & they will root in no time.

Las Palmas Norte · Posted: Thu 13 Apr, 2006 2:25 pm

Thanks for the help Laaz! I imagine some humidity is required while the cuttings root up as well? How about bottom heat like from a heat mat?

Cheers, Barrie.

Junglekeeper · Posted: Thu 13 Apr, 2006 11:50 pm

Laaz wrote:

Cut off all but the last three or four leaves at the tip of the stick.

Do you have a preference for tip cuttings, not just with Meyer but citrus in general? Do you find they perform better than those taken from elsewhere or is it an issue with how the cutting will grow after rooting? From my limited experience a tip cutting tends to continue growth from the tip thereby producing a straight plant. A non-tip cutting will initiate sideways growth by activating dormant buds above leaf axils.

_________________
Indoor Grower

Millet · Posted: Fri 14 Apr, 2006 2:25 am

Junglekeeper, what you say is true in the beginning, however, I find in the long run both make just as straight of a tree. Also tip cuttings many times are too tender. A good cutting needs to have just a little age and firmness to it. Not brown wood, but still green wood.- Millet

Laaz · Posted: Fri 14 Apr, 2006 10:47 am

Yes I only use tip cutting to root. They do normally grow straight and true. Once they reach about 18" I pinch off the tip of the main stem. This forces budding below to start.

I have never used heat mats or any added humidity (Although where I live humidity is a major part of live...)

Las Palmas Norte · Posted: Fri 14 Apr, 2006 2:07 pm

Thanks again Laaz (and everyone) for the great info. Here (Vancouver Island), humidity is high during winter only.

Junglekeeper · Posted: Fri 14 Apr, 2006 4:14 pm

Laaz wrote:

Once they reach about 18" I pinch off the tip of the main stem.

This is what I prefer too. It seems to be the most appropriate form for indoor container culture.

Millet,
For me a well-centered tree makes the task of turning the pot (for even light exposure) much easier. I think it's a consideration unique to indoor growers.

_________________
Indoor Grower