Feeling really stupid, but which end is up re: planting this pitaya cutting?

[Mark in Texas]

This Sugar cutting has been in the ground for weeks, nothing.  I'm beginning to think I have it upside down.     Should the cut side go in or the point?   

[spaugh]

The spikes need to be pointing up.  That cutting is upside down.

Usually when taking a cutting, they are cut at a joint and then the tip is trimmed.  It will make more sense when you get some plants growing nicely.

[Mark in Texas]

The spikes need to be pointing up.  That cutting is upside down.

Usually when taking a cutting, they are cut at a joint and then the tip is trimmed.  It will make more sense when you get some plants growing nicely.

Got it.  The point goes into the soil.

Thanks!

[spaugh]

Yeah the point is a joint.  Thats usually the lower end of a cutting where the cutting is cut off the plant.  Then the tip is chopped to length to fit in a box. 

The way to tell though is look at the spikes on the sides of the cutting.  They need to point upwards.

[Mark in Texas]

The way to tell though is look at the spikes on the sides of the cutting.  They need to point upwards.

I understand and that's what's confusing.  The spikes and indention are horizontal on this cutting.  Usually it's as plain as day.  I'll figure it out...... 

[ricshaw]

The way to tell though is look at the spikes on the sides of the cutting.  They need to point upwards.

I understand and that's what's confusing.  The spikes and indention are horizontal on this cutting.  Usually it's as plain as day.  I'll figure it out...... 

This may not make sense... but when I look at the "indentions" on a cutting... I see ocean swells/waves.



The waves direction points to the top of the cutting. On your cutting, the direction is down.

[CA Hockey]

You also can’t just put it straight into the soil. You need to leave it out in the sun so the bottom end calluses and hardens. Takes about 7-10 days. Then plant the callused bottom need and you should see new growth rapidly.

[marklee]

Or you could just plant it flat and growth will come out all along the piece.

[Mark in Texas]

Or you could just plant it flat and growth will come out all along the piece.

Did that about a month or so ago with 2 cuttings.  Pulled them up yesterday - nothing.  I rarely water the bed, would that be the reason they're not rooting?  I submerge one side of the three into the sandy soil.  Also, being they have no roots, no potential for uptake, they tend to bleach out quickly.  I've shaded them with a double layer of cheesecloth or a screened colander.



Good one ricshaw.

[FamilyJ]

This Sugar cutting has been in the ground for weeks, nothing.  I'm beginning to think I have it upside down.     Should the cut side go in or the point?   

^
Might want to add some Epsom Salt before it rots out

[spaugh]

You can water a little then let it dry out, it should make it root.  I assume its pretty warm in the GH.  That should get them going.  If they came from someones outdoor garden in a colder location they could also just be really stalled from the cold.

[Mark in Texas]

You can water a little then let it dry out, it should make it root.  I assume its pretty warm in the GH.  That should get them going.  If they came from someones outdoor garden in a colder location they could also just be really stalled from the cold.

Heat they have.  98F in the greenhouse until I cool everything down with a blast of water.  97F outside now, very unusual for us.