Quality of Pelargonium graveolens cuttings as affected by the rooting medium

The effect of 5 rooting media on rooting characteristics and on growth of stem cuttings of Pelargonium graveolens under standard mist propagation was investigated. Perlite was found to be superior to all other media and supported the greatest fresh weight accumulation of both roots and new leaves. The numbers of adventitious roots and leaves were equal in both perlite and standard peat: perlite mixture. The poorest root formation occurred in soil medium, while peat was especially deleterious for new leaf development. Both root and shoot development were intermediate in cuttings planted in sand. Considerable differences and changes were observed in the pH of the various rooting-media. It is concluded that these differences represent a direct effect on the rooting process, and that substrate characteristics are of the utmost importance for the quality of rooted cuttings.