Heyo! About three weeks ago (with some not so gentle coaching from this sub) I decided to chop and prop a very long Rhaphidophora tetrasperma vine that was starting to drop leaves rapidly. Per your fabulous input I have the props in a little grow box in a mix of perlite and sphagnum moss. The props are doing great- new roots are forming well.
However there are a few unexpected things happening.
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In addition to all my one leaf/one node props, I kept a few longer segments with 2-3 leaves for some variety and height when I repot. The original aerial roots (that are not submerged in the perlite/sphagnum mixture) are now growing additional roots. I’m wondering if that means that those will want to be in the soil too when it’s time to plant? I’m guessing they are growing because they are in a nice humid environment?
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Additionally, today I looked in the box and the end of the cutting has a white substance covering it. It looks like mold. Should I clean off with alcohol of something? The scissors I used were clean. The reason I had to cut the vine originally was because it was dropping leaves from what appeared to be some sort of a disease. Wondering if that’s why this mold is growing? The last week we’ve been running the AC so I started spraying in the box daily to keep it humid. Maybe that’s what’s causing the mold growth?
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you may have! I’ve done a lot of water props before but this is my first time doing this and it’s exciting but scary! I don’t want to kill the bbs!
by ApplicationEntire251
1 Comment
There is really no harm in having the other roots there, even if you aren’t going to plant them. They may continue into the substrate, or they may harden off. Either way, it isn’t going to negatively affect the plant. Though you can plant them if you want.
As for the mold, I wouldn’t be too worried. I would probably just wipe it off with a paper towel