Propagation & Cloning
Propagation Humidity, Transpiration & Water Balance
Unrooted cuttings have leaves that can lose water before roots can replace it. Propagation humidity and airflow therefore need to reduce excessive water loss without creating continuously wet, stagnant tissues.
Key concepts
- Leaf area continues to exchange heat and water after excision
- High humidity can reduce atmospheric demand but does not replace stem hydration or root formation
- Condensation and stagnant wetness can increase disease risk
- Acclimation should increase atmospheric demand gradually as roots become functional
What to measure or observe
- Track temperature and RH near cutting height
- Inspect leaf posture and recovery
- Observe condensation on leaves and enclosure surfaces
- Record changes when vents or covers are opened
Common mistakes
- Keeping leaves continuously wet
- Opening a high-humidity enclosure abruptly
- Using one room RH reading to represent the propagation microclimate
- Assuming wilt always means the media is too dry
Visuals this lesson still needs
- Unrooted cutting water-balance diagram
- Humidity enclosure cross section
- Condensation-risk panel
- Acclimation sequence