The medium used for propagation by seedlings or
cuttings should provide high oxygen and
water levels.
Oxygen:
The medium must provide a higher percentage of air (air-filled porosity) than
ordinary soil. This is required because developing root systems require
excess oxygen to produce energy for growth.
Water:
The medium must retain water so that the root area is never dry. Water must
also be able to drain freely from pore spaces in the media. Failure to do
so can cause roots to become starved of oxygen and also promote fungal diseases
i.e. Seeds may rot before germination, and cuttings rot before roots begin
to form.
Examples of appropriate mediums are
(Fig 4.11):
+ Rockwool.
+ Perlite
(1 part) + vermiculite (1 part).
+
Coco Peat (2
parts) + coarse river sand (5 parts).
+ Perlite
(2 parts) + coarse river sand (2 parts) + coco peat (1 part).
