Question
I can get a cutting from a rain tree, so I need to know just where to make the cut and how do I get it to grow a 'root' so I can plant it?

Or, is this not an acceptable method of getting a rain tree?  Maybe 'acceptable' is not the proper word, but you know what I mean.

I love rain trees, but am not able to buy one in my area, so when the prospect of getting a cutting came up, I'm jumping at it.

What do you think?

Thanks,
sue

Answer
Hi Sue,
Thanx for your question.  Take green cuttings about 6 inches long using a sharp knife.  Take the cutting from where it meets the main branch and remove some extra tissue so there is kind of a "heel" to the cut end.  Coat the cut end with rooting hormone like rootone.  Your better nurseries often have this.  Remove all but the top 2 or three leaves.  Do not use cuttings that have flower buds.  Use a soil less mix or clean sand and make sure it is moist but not soggy.  Stick the cutting into the growing medium so that it is in about 2 inches and stands upright.  Seal the pot and cutting inside a clear plastic bag.  Bottom heat helps rooting so you may want to use a horticultural heating pad (available at better nurseries).  Make sure the cutting gets plenty of light and maintain temperatures at around 75 degrees.  Rooting could begin as early as 8 weeks but may take several months.  Check for roots by digging around the cutting after 2 months.  Little white buds are the beginnings of new roots.  Do not remove the cutting until it has a nice root system.  When well rooted, transplant to a separate pod and you can put it outside after last frost in a place that is protected from direct sunlight and extremes in temperature, wind and rain for about two weeks.  After that, plant out in your yard, mulch well, keep weeds down and use tree fertilizer spikes following the directions on the package.  I hope this helps.
Tom