Lantana Propagation Tips
April 2, 2012 
Upon arrival
Lantanas should be stuck immediately. Do not store cuttings at a temperature below 48°F.
Rooting Time
Unrooted cuttings typically take four and a half to five weeks to root in a 105-sized plug. Dipping the base of the stem into 1,000 parts per million (ppm) IBA (indole-3-butyric-acid) can be beneficial, especially during early stick weeks.
Growing Media
High-porosity media like Fafard 1P Mix is ideal. Fertiss and Ellepot are also common choices. Keep pH at 5.6 – 6.2, test media E.C. and pH about three weeks after sticking and adjust as needed.
Pinching
Pinching is optional for compact varieties like Bandana but recommended for more vigorous varieties, like Bandana Trailing Gold. Make sure cuttings are well-rooted before pinching.
Temperature
Media temperatures of 72–74°F are ideal.
Misting
Spray CapSil one day after sticking to reduce wilting. Apply at a rate of 2 to 4 ounces per 100 gallons. Lantanas generally require more days under mist than most vegetative items. Start coming off the mist three weeks after sticking. Gradually reduce night misting from day two through day seven. Keep in mind that oversaturated media can easily lead to losses and iron deficiency related tip yellowing.
Fertilizer
Apply 100 ppm nitrogen (N) when cuttings start rooting, using a calcium-magnesium formulation of a balanced fertilizer with low phosphorus (i.e. 14-4-14, 13-2-13, or 15-5-15 Cal-Mag). Fertilize daily with 150 ppm nitrogen (N) when fully rooted. Supplemental iron chelate (e.g. Sprint 138 or 330) is recommended as a drench at 2 ounces per 100 gal. about three weeks after sticking to avoid iron deficiency related tip yellowing.
Plant Growth Regulator
Spray B-Nine plant growth regulator at a 2,500-ppm plus Cycocel plant growth regulator at 1,000-ppm or Sumagic plant growth regulator at 5 ppm (make sure to apply lightly). Trial Florel plant growth regulator at 350 ppm. Florel should be used primarily for vigorous trailing types like ‘Bandana Trailing Gold.’
Fungicides
Spray for Botrytis control at day 2 and day 14, alternating between Daconil ULTREX fungicide and Heritage fungicide. Drench with broad-spectrum fungicide (Subdue Maxx plus Medallion fungicide combinations) three and a half weeks after sticking.
Insect control: Avid miticide/insecticide is recommended for whiteflies and leaf miners. Once cuttings are well rooted a Flagship insecticide application can provide protection for six to eight weeks.
Subscribe to eNewsletter
