Prepare now for KOC’s Pua Plantasia 2009!

Propagate Plants for our Donated Plant Booth.

Instructions for Propagation from Stem Cuttings

1) Producing new plants from cuttings can take several months. It requires patience.

2) Many plants can be propagated from stem cuttings. Some also produce root shoots that can be safely removed to grow new plants. Most succulents, begonias and African violets will grow roots from cuts on the underside of a mature leaf placed on a moist rooting medium.

3) Prepare a rooting medium of 50/50 vermiculite and perlite (or perlite and potting soil). Wet the medium and keep it moist.

4) Choose “woody” stems (some brown bark rather than all green) about the diameter of a pencil. Cut them into 4” lengths with at least two nodes and remove flowers, fruit & most leaves.

5) Keep cuttings wet and cool and out of the sun. Place in rooting medium as soon as possible.

6) Place cuttings in medium after dusting or dipping the end in rooting compound. Don’t fertilize.

7) Label the cuttings for future identification then wait.

8) Keep cuttings moist and in partial shade. Misting is good or cover with a plastic bag. (If bags are used, be sure to open to air for a few minutes every day or two).

9) In a few weeks, check for new growth and/or test for roots. Budding and/or leaf production indicates plant is rooted. Roots are forming if it resists when you pull on it gently.

10) Once roots have formed, transplant to potting soil or a combination of peat, perlite and soil from the area to be planted. Add a transplanting vitamin solution and/or a slow-release fertilizer.

11) Acclimate plant by gradually moving it into a location similar to one in which it may be grown.

Contact KOC to let us know what you’ll have ready for Pua on October 31.

Happy Growing!!

Pua Plantasia is Happening

Expectations run high as spring approaches and the gardening community anticipates the Kona Outdoor Circle’s Annual Plant Sale. The good news is that there will be a 2009 Pua Plantasia. Committees are already gearing up.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 31 at the Pavilion in the Old Airport Park. Lots of time to plan and lots of space to fill.

With a focus on sustainability, we’re looking for lots of members to come out to help sustain us by volunteering to pitch in and make this a big, fun success. Most of the committees already have Chairs but all would love a cluster of helpers to spread out the responsibilities.

For example, Joan Lamont and Alice Mattraw-Sachs who are co-chairing the Donated Plants Committee are asking that members and friends start preparing cuttings and propagating their favorite plants for the sale.

Call today and get involved. We have committee openings in Layout, Set Up, Volunteer Support, Jellies, Security and plenty more!

Call the KOC office at 329-7286 or check in at koc@konaoutdoorcircle.org to join fun and help sustain KOC as we continue our efforts to keep Kona “clean, green and beautiful”!!

We have multiple committees lines out with Chairmen but, of course, we're looking for lots of volunteers to fill out the committees. We're also askng KOC members and friends to begin cuttings, propagating their special plants for the sale. More on this later. Come and volunteer with us and chose the area of your interest from Layout, Set Up, Volunteer Support, Jellies, Security and plenty more! Call Kona Outdoor Circle 329-7286 or koc@konaoutdoorcircle.org. Come join the fun and do a bit for our beautiful community.