Question
I cut a clipping off the end of a mulberry tree, 10" to 12" branch and dipped it into root hormone, then placed it into sand/dirt for rooting.  This was done about 2 weeks ago.  Is it normal for the leaves to fall off?  I may have done something wrong as it doesn't look like they are living.  I planted around 10 plants and decided to put one in water only.  The clipping placed in water is sprouting and looks healthy.

Answer
The sand if kept moist should have been ok for rooting. I would not give up yet the roots maybe there and can not be seen like in the water.

Monitor the soil moisture to make sure the cuttings and medium do not dry out. Spray the container with water as needed.


Gently pull on the stem cutting after two to four weeks to check for resistance from root growth. Mulberry plants are slow growing and may take several months to establish root growth.

Transplant stem cuttings to single growing containers once the roots have become established. Continue to grow the cuttings in a container for the first growing season to make sure the plant is strong enough to grow in a landscape