Garrya Elliptica Propagation

Question: Hello! 

Finally, after 4 years of trying various methods, I've gotten cuttings from a (female) garrya elliptica plant to grow roots (~1-2"). Now I'm troubleshooting moving the cuttings from perlite into soil. I planted one small cutting in the ground (that looks sad/wilted now, maybe too much sun/water) and one in a small pot. The potted one is getting brown spots on the leaves, thinking that's a bad sign (stem rot?). I have a small handful left to try. 

So, I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations for how to transfer these plants successfully into pots and/or the ground? My theory is maybe less water in the soil? Or the wrong type? I used a potting mix in the small pot. And/or not enough humidity. Wondering if I should cut the leaves in half and/or go heavier on the sand/perlite and lighter on the water and then plant it in shade? Or should I keep the re-potted cuttings inside (in a humidity dome?) until they're bigger - or at least showing signs of growth? - and only bottom water. 

My ultimate goal is to have a female plant in the yard to go with the male I already have to provide fruit for the birds some day! And cuttings for friends. I wish nurseries sold female plants too and not just the showy males. :)

Thanks for any help!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 15, 2024, 5:14 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your questions.  Rather than go through all of the issues, I suggest that you read the following article about propagating this species, to get them the necessary water, nutrients and light:  https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/garrya/growing-guide  I hope this is helpful.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 24, 2024, 8:15 PM EDT
response: Thanks,  The document has some helpful information, but it doesn't include specific details to Garrya Elliptica propagation much beyond it's possible. The problems listed are general molds and rots for starting propogation. My question is more - I have rooted cuttings, how do I move them outside alive? The first two I planted outside have died. I've since put two more cuttings into pots, I'll attach photos. These had larger roots than the first. I put them into 1-gal pots w/ general potting soil mix of compost, perlite, topsoil. I planted them only root deep with very little stem (hoping to avoid rot), watered them in, and have been moving the pots between the garage at night and outside to shade (when it's not too hot) to hopefully acclimate them. It's only been a week, I think they're doing so-so? I was going to give them 2-3 more weeks before trying to plant one in the ground - to hopefully limit shock. There's a little leaf curling/spots, wondering if maybe I should cover them in plastic to keep the humidity higher or cut one of the larger leaves in half so there's less demand on the roots?I have one last backup stem doing well inside that I'll probably keep there until I know one way or the other with the second trial run. Hopefully better luck this time!AudreyOn Mon, Apr 15, 2024 at 2:14 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 24, 2024, 8:31 PM EDT
response: There is nothing in your potting mix that resembles nature.  The substances you have don't have nutrients, microbes, or any of the components contained in commercial seed starting mixes.  Your plants are starving.  Try transplanting to media closer to native soil.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 25, 2024, 12:33 PM EDT
response: That's super helpful, thank you! I was thinking I needed to ease them into the soil slowly, but maybe that's exactly what they need. I'd been mostly following guidance (aside from starting with seeds) from this Washington University document: Plant Propagation Protocol for Garrya elliptica where it says: "Silktassels are sensitive to root disturbance when actively growing, so dormant potting is recommended; however, they will not tolerate high fertility in the potting compost." Reading that made me uncertain about the repotting/transferring process in general.  Today's rainy cooler temps seemed like a good day to go for it so I went ahead and planted one in the ground, re-potted one in mixed potting soil with yard soil (even w/leaves and soil from around my current GAEL). I uprooted the final cutting, and I'm glad I did, the roots were tiny, even dried out at the end, so I don't have much hope for that one anyways. I cut the stem down, and potted it in the same soil as above in a different pot. Fingers crossed one of these will survive to someday bear fruit! (Or there's always next year to try again :))Thanks again! AudreyOn Wed, Apr 24, 2024 at 5:31 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 25, 2024, 12:36 PM EDT
response: Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 11:09 PM EDT
response: Hi, I wanted to share an update because the "feed-your-plant-it's-starving" advice was spot on.   Since planting in the ground (adding mycorrhizal inoculant), she's got new healthy growth, and the second potted one is still alive and growing well.   Thanks again!          On Thu, Apr 25, 2024 at 9:36 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 07, 2024, 11:12 PM EDT
response: Great!  welcome!