Does anyone know the trick to propagate Dombeya. I know there is an easy way but I haven't been able to figure it out. I hope that someone knows and will share the trick. Thanks

Betty,

I don't know of any tricks, and I really doubt if there is one. We try cuttings every year, but with a very poor take. We do get some to root. I had better success with doing air layers. But you need a large stock plant for that.

Jeff

Jeff,

A large grower up here, one that you know well, is propagating them by the bunches. He would not tell me how but said it was incredibly easy when he hit on the way. I was hoping someone knew a method that worked. I wonder since they are winter bloomers, if it has something to do with the timing. Thanks anyway. I'll keep trying different methods.

Well it's certainly possible. And I'm sure the secrets would involve using hardwood or tip cuttings, and then like you say, timing in the year would/could be critical. No question, it's not an easy plant to root. That's why you don't see more nurseries growing it. Or, when was the last time you saw liners of these offered?

Ohh...if you find something out, do let me know.

Jeff

Years ago I bought a Dombeya wallichii (being I spelt the last part of it's taxa correctly) when I lived in NW MN, and I eventually potted it up in a 12", or 16" pot i believe......(I do remember the pot was pretty big though) and during the spring through summer, and early fall (being if you're lucky enough to get even a small partial decent fall that far north at all) please forgive me, I'm just setting the stage of when and how long I've had the plant and growth rate. Now for the good stuff, I've had the plant at that time for a little over a year, I figured let's see about planting some cuttings; of almost 6' foot tall I took about 1/2 dozen cuttings, and using rooting hormones, I rooted them late the following spring, and several week's later they were rooting with fresh new top growth. I forgotten to mention I put them outdoors as soon it was warm enough (about a week or so before Memorial Day until just before the night temperature began to fall below 60 degrees, I'd bring them in front of my patio windows for the cold fall until the following spring. Case in point, I now live here in Southern Arizona since 2011,and I'm hoping to have the very same results I did then, very successful. I hope this helps out somewhat. I got my dombeya (then and presently) from Logee's. I now have the dumbest wallichii growing outdoors for about 3 years now. Although the top growth didn't make it, but it came back the following year after I had to severely prune off all the dead growth, now it's about 3 foot tall and wide; but when the temperature is forecasted to drop below 30• degrees, I've been using a frost blanket, and oh what a difference that has made. I'll try to snap a shot or two, if I can get my phone's camera to work and send picture properly. We'll be in touch, and Happy growing.