- Healthy Jackfruit Branch: Choose a semi-hardwood cutting. This means the wood is mature but still somewhat flexible, not brand new green growth or old, woody growth. Look for shoots that are light brown in color.
- Sharp, Clean Pruning Shears or Knife: Sterilize your tools to prevent disease.
- Rooting Hormone: This is crucial for increasing success rates. Look for rooting hormone containing Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) at concentrations of 5,000 to 10,000 ppm.
- Well-Draining Potting Mix: A mixture of rice husks, peanut shells, and coconut fiber can provide good aeration and drainage. You can also use a mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss.
- Pots or Trays: With drainage holes.
- Clear Plastic Bag or Dome: To create a humid environment (mini-greenhouse).
- Indirectly Bright Location: Avoid direct, intense sunlight.
- Optional: Intermittent Mist System: If you have access to one, this significantly improves success.
Steps:
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Select and Prepare Cuttings:
- Take 6-10 inch (15-25 cm) semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy, mature shoots.
- Ensure each cutting has at least 3-4 nodes (points where leaves attach).
- Remove all leaves except for 2-3 at the very tip. If the remaining leaves are large, you can cut them in half across the midrib to reduce water loss.
- Make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle just below a node at the bottom of the cutting.
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Apply Rooting Hormone:
- Dip the cut end of the cutting into the rooting hormone powder or gel. Ensure the hormone adheres well to the cut surface.
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Plant the Cuttings:
- Fill your pots or trays with the well-draining potting mix.
- Make a hole in the center of the potting mix with your finger or a stick.
- Carefully insert the treated cutting into the hole, ensuring at least one node is buried in the soil. Gently firm the soil around the cutting.
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Create a Humid Environment:
- Water the potting mix thoroughly until water drains from the bottom.
- Cover each pot with a clear plastic bag or place the entire tray under a clear plastic dome. This creates a mini-greenhouse effect, increasing humidity around the cuttings, which is essential for rooting.
- If using an intermittent mist system, place the cuttings in the mist bed.
