Question
Hello. I have different kinds of Dracaena (Marginata, Deremensis 'Bausei', Deremensis 'Lemon/Lime', Fragrans, Cincta Tricolor,...) and I would like to multiply some of them using stem cuttings placed in water. I already did this with a Dracaena Fragrans 'Massangeana' and it worked. I've tried using stems coming from a Dracaena Deremenis 'Bausei' and I still haven't any roots after few months. One of the stems seems even going rotten. I wonder If I should use rooting powder to help my cuttings (maybe starting over). Do I really have to put the cuttings in soil when using such rooting powder or could I just put them in some water like I did for the other Dracaenas? Thanks in advance. Regards.

Answer
Lorcan,

The roots that are grown in water ar succulent and crisp and break easily. They also rot easily when you make the transfer to soil. Roots grown in soil by using rooting hormone are wiry and do not break. They are stronger when repotting. No, you cnnot use rooting powder with water. It works with soil.  For most dracaenas rooting in soil works far better than rooting in water.  Just remove the lower leaves, dip the cutting in rooting hormone, make a hole in the soil with a pencil, insert the cutting and firm the soil around it. Good luck.

Darlene