Question
I was taking a walk in the woods last week and noticed some wild azaleas. The area will be under development soon so I would like to take some cuttings before they're plowed under. New growth on azaleas are not that long, so how would I go about propagating them?

Answer
Cut a tender shoot that is at least six inches long. Avoid any growth that is woody. Remove the lower sets of leaves. Dip the cutting in a rooting compound. This product can be purchased at most garden centers. Stick the cutting one inch into a good potting mix. Be sure to thoroughly wet the soil prior to planting.    

Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic. Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window seal or under fluorescent lighting.  

After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem. If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and be sure to keep the soil moist. The plant should then be treated as any other seedling.    

I hope this helps. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.    

Regards,      

Mike