-=> Quoting Christopher Greaves to Marilyn Boissoneault <=-
Sorry I'm so long replying, had a computer crash.
CG> A clean cut at 90-degrees across the stem provides little surface 
CG> area, whereas a slanted or crushed cut provides many more growing 
CG> cells. 
That's interesting on the slant of the cut and makes good sense.
You mentioned sharp sand, is that something different than
regular sand? Would I find it labeled as that at a garden center?
CG> I'm not sure whether the sharp sand assists in cutting into the 
CG> cells, or whether it just provides good drainage.
Well I know sand certainly drains fast since that is what my
garden consists of, so maybe it's a little of both.  I think
that's one thing I've done wrong, planted them in a
peat/vermiculite mix and the peat doesn't drain or dry out very
fast.  Guess I'll try sand or vermiculite next time.
CG> I think the idea of drainage is that the cuttings get a regular 
CG> dose of water to keep them alive, but have to work like the 
 CG> dickens (rough translation: send down roots) to get at it once it 
CG> has passed downwards. 
Oh I never thought of it that way. I guess they say not to water
your in ground plants too frequently, but water deeply and
that would be the same principle.  Thanks I'll try to keep that
idea in my head!
CG> I hope this helps.
Yes it does help, thanks so much.
Marilyn
... Diamond: a lump of coal that made good under pressure..
___ Blue Wave/DOS v2.30
--- Alexi/Mail 2.02b (#10000)
---------------