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John Innes no 1 Too soggy

rubikbrubikb Posts: 5
in Problem solving

I placed leaf cuttings already rooted in water (1-2 inch roots) in J I no 1.  I watered ONCEat the start 6 weeks ago.  The compost is soggy throughout, although the leaves are really strong and healthy.

I have kept them indoors so that they do not see too much sun/rain ... constant temp of around 20C and humidity varies from 50 to 85%.

Should I re pot, or is this normal?

Posts

  • treehugger80treehugger80 Posts: 1,923

    it depends what the leaf cuttings were from? African violet and mother in laws tongue need different treatments to root.

    in general I only repot once roots show through the bottom of the pot.

  • rubikbrubikb Posts: 5

    Thankyou treehugger

    I took leaf cuttings from Begonia Tuber plants when in full bloom. 

    I am waiting for the roots to show at the bottom, but no joy after 6 weeks.

    My main concern is that I have not watered after the first time, as the JI1 is too soggy.

    Last edited: 22 September 2017 09:39:07

  • punkdocpunkdoc Sheffield, Derbyshire border.Posts: 13,014

    You really need a much more free draining compost for cuttings.

    I would suggest a 50 / 50 mix with Perlite.

    There are ashtrays of emulsion,
    for the fag ends of the aristocracy.
  • rubikbrubikb Posts: 5

    Thanks punkdoc

    JI1 and 50% perlite or MPC and 50% perlite?

  • hogweedhogweed Central ScotlandPosts: 4,053

    Whatever you have to hand. And sharp sand or small grit would do instead of perlite. 

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • rubikbrubikb Posts: 5

    Thank you hogweed.

    Does it matter if I use Multipurpose or do I have to still use JI 1?

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Leicestershire, UKPosts: 11,391

    It doesn't matter as cuttings don't really need nutrients in the compost to form.  What they need is water but with good drainage and air, which is why a 50/50 mix of perlite or grit and almost any compost is fine.  Commercial composts are better than home-made for this as they are likely to have been sterilised.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • rubikbrubikb Posts: 5

    Thank you BobTheGardener

    I shall not waste money on JI1.

    THANK YOU ALL

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