Plant Propogation

Last week and this week, the Master Gardener classes have been held at the floriculture greenhouses at Cook College. I had already worked in these greenhouses last November transplanting cuttings for Rutgers Gardens. As promised, I brought treats for Bea, the greenhouse cat. She caught on very quickly. As soon as she heard my voice this week, she popped her head around a corner and gave me a look that plainly said, "Any treats?". She was even brave enough to come into the classroom during the lecture, hopped up on the counter where I had fed her treats last week and then was rudely whisked out of the room because one of my classmates has a phobia about cats. I did try to lure Bea out with a trail of treats, but she was too smart to fall for that and I finally had to pick her up and carry her out of the room. I gave her that treat she was looking for and hope that she will forgive me.

The lecture last week was on plant propogation. It covered seeds, cuttings, division and various grafting techniques. Then came the fun part. We got to plant some seeds and root some cuttings. I chose to plant phlox and nicotiana seeds. When I checked my tray this week, the phlox had begun to germinate. I don't expect anything from the nicotiana. I was so busy trying to master the planting technique we had been taught that I forgot to read the seed packet first. Nicotiana should be seeded on the surface. I tried to "unbury" the seeds, but they are like dust so I have no idea how successful I was.

We were allowed to choose plants from the greenhouse from which to take cuttings. The coleus and scented geraniums that my fellow students found so attractive did absolutely nothing for me. I couldn't generate any enthusiasm until the lecturer brought in jade tree cuttings.

I have somehow managed to keep a jade tree alive for a few years now. On the tour of the greenhouses last week, I asked about the wonderful specimans I saw. They were huge plants in tiny pots and bone dry. There were two obvious mistakes right there! I always kill my houseplants with kindess. What I found most amazing was the variety. I had no idea that there were different kinds of jade trees. So you can imagine my excitement when I realized I could root and keep these new (to me) plants! I have placed them in the same sunny window that my current jade tree enjoys. After a week, they have perked up and I have high hopes that they will make it.

So . . . allow me to introduce my new plants . . .



The first one is variegated and the leaves are longer and narrower than "regular" jade trees. Yes, I know it looks like I buried it, but I didn't really. The potting medium keeps oozing all over it when I water it. I tried brushing it off but all that I accomplished was to break off one of the leaves.

This is my favorite one . . .

The leaves are tubular! Isn't that the coolest thing you've ever seen? It looks like something out of a science fiction movie. I have to keep resisting the temptation to overwater them.

And would you believe we still haven't gotten the results of our midterms yet?