D.E. Method

Benefits of Using Diatomaceous Earth

  • Excellent Drainage: D.E. provides good aeration and prevents waterlogging, which is crucial for rooting cuttings.
  • Moisture Retention: Despite its drainage properties, D.E. retains enough moisture to support root growth.

Step-by-Step Guide

Selecting Cuttings: Use fresh hardwood cuttings. Each cutting should be about 6-8 inches long with at least 3 nodes.

Preparing the Cuttings: Remove all leaves from the cuttings. Make a clean, scrape at the bottom end of each cutting.

Then dip them in Dip’N’Grow® at the softwood concentration for five seconds.

Rooting Medium:

Fill a clear 32oz. cup with diatomaceous earth. drill holes in the container to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.

To wet the medium, fill another cup this one without holes, with water. Then bottom water the cup with medium.

Treat the water with Mosquito Bits® aka BT and Myco Stop®

Planting the Cuttings:

Insert the prepared cuttings into the moistened diatomaceous earth. Make sure at least one node is buried below the surface.

Gently press the D.E. around the base of the cuttings to ensure good contact.

Creating a Humid Environment:

Cover the container with Press’N Seal® to maintain high humidity levels around the cuttings. This helps to get the roots going. Place the container in a warm, dark place.

Monitoring and Maintenance:

Check the moisture level regularly and add water if needed. To check the moisture level look at the center of the cup and if it has condensation then it can go longer.

After roots appear around the edge of the cup take the Press’N Seal® of and put it over the bottom of the cup. Then put the cup under your grow lights so leaves can start to form. Note: If your cuttings start to break bud before you see roots go ahead and do this step.

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring, soft, sedimentary rock made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It can be crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder that has many applications.

However, for rooting we do not want the powder instead we want to use the crumble. The crumble is usually available at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts® Under the name Opti-Sorb® Note: There may also be Thrifty-Sorb THIS IS NOT THE SAME THING.