What are the secrets for propagating conifer cuttings

semi-ripe have always worked best for me - but keeping the right humidity is a pain. I've been told, by people who ought to know :rolleyes: that climg-film as a cover, allowing no air circulation is a good move. I'm not convinced.....

 

I would like to know too. I have fair success with most things, but Conifers just do not seem to root, even when done exactly the way described in the books.

 

I found keeping the right humidity was the hardest thing. The compost dried out really quickly for some reason. I found it best to put just 3 in a pot, fairly deep compost, usual mix with perlite, and the standard bag over the top was most effective. It worked with a cryptomeria I wanted to have from my old place - and a couple from the dozen I took did ok for a while - but they died off when the power to my greenhouse went off during the winter :( So I'll have to have another go sometime soon.

 

Bottom heat in a propagator with automatic spraying - easy! Actually got first two above but no spraying! So majority of cuttings are easy but never do coniferous material!! Yet.
Cuttings generally I take, three at a time in deep cream pots (elm lea) Usually pot up together in larger pot as one. I bought a conical shaped drill bit (sorry but memory now very poor) The thing will cut hole in very thing material so drainage holes in much plastic containers rather than attempt sending it to recycling. Re-use is my motto! Though only delays sending I agree!