Question
am so frustrated! Please help... :) I have been trying to grow roots of the White Mandevilla Plant that i have.  Its mate died on me (during hurricane season) and I want to duplicate this plant for they both were part of my daughter's beach wedding. I tried the Shultz powder method, tried just putting it in water.  Nothing is working. What am I doing wrong?  I would be so grateful for any suggestions!  Obviously this is very important to me-very sentimental :)  For I can't replace "Emory" with another "man" LOL :D. Don't think Amie would like that! :)


Answer
Hi Janet,
Thanx for your question.  Take a green/soft wood cutting from the vine where the stem meets the main vine.  Use a sharp knife instead of scissors.  The cutting should be 6-8 inches long.  Strip all but the last 2 or 3 leaves off of the cutting.  Dip the cut end in Rootone or Shultz powder.  If the rooting powder is old, it may not be viable any more.  Stick the cutting into a container of warm/wet sand and seal inside a clear plastic baggie to preserve humidity but keep out of the sun so it won't cook.  Mist the cutting twice a day with cool (not cold) water.  Keep the sand and environment warm (75-80 degrees F).  Rooting should take place within 8 weeks or less.  You can check periodically by probing gently with a pencil.  I would certainly hope that "Emory" will cooperate so he does not meet an untimely demise!  ;o)

Hope that helps.
Tom