Rooting Southern Magnolia Branches

[dukeofdoom]

I found some branches of Southern Magnolia (I believe DD Blanchard).

Only the short branch has green leafs. So far my previous attempts at getting things to root by placing them in water have a very low margin of success. Any tips on getting these to root would be greatly appreciated. As always, thanks for any help.

[canadianplant]

Rooting hormone ( i like the gel) and probably semi woody cuttings. No harm trying a few stages of woodiness. I would try some in early summer in the ground in shade.

Ive read boiling willow stems helps roots plants too. Stick some pencil thick willow branches in a pyrex jar and por boiling water in it. Let it cool all night and soak the cuttings for I think a few hours (google it to make sure). Ive never tried it but it seems to be one of the true wives tales from what ive read

[TimMAz6]

southern mags are pretty easy.............take the cutting and place it into the ground...........then go on-line an order one.

Just kidding. I've been messing with cuttings for years and NONE have rooted. People claim the ONLY way is to air layer it in summer.

[dukeofdoom]

For all its worth, I cut them into three pieces, dipped the bottom of each piece in rooting powder and then sunk them in water. I plan to put them in soil in a day or two. If anything comes of it I will post an update.

I've never heard of willow being used, but it does make sense since willow roots so easily. But I would think boiling water would destroy any active organic chemicals released from the bark. I don't have easy access to willow bark to try it, but I've read of people rooting roses by sticking the cutting in a potato. Maybe I'll try that with one of the pieces.

Thanks Tim and Canadianplant

* edit

I looked up "air layering" and that's pretty cool. I never knew you can root plants this way.

[canadianplant]

Air layering usually has a good success because the branch youre trying to clone stil is attached to the tree. Way less chance of the cutting drying out due to no "food"

[lucky1]

Great experiment, Duke.
Will follow your results with interest.

Barb