Rooting Mulberry Cuttings: Patience, Not Panic

You stuck 10–12″ mulberry cuttings in sand/dirt with root hormone 2 weeks ago. Leaves fell off; one in water is sprouting. Don’t give up on the soil ones.

Why Leaves Drop

• Cuttings have no roots to support leaves—they shed them to reduce water loss.
• Leaf drop is normal; root formation continues unseen.

Care for Soil Cuttings

• Keep medium consistently moist (not soggy). Mist daily.
• High humidity helps: cover with plastic bag/bottle (vent occasionally).
• Bright indirect light—no direct sun.
• After 4–6 weeks, gently tug; resistance = roots.

Why Water Cutting Sprouted

• Water allows immediate hydration; roots visible.
• But water roots are brittle; transition to soil is tricky.

Next Steps

1. Wait 4–8 weeks total for soil cuttings.
2. Once rooted, pot individually in good mix.
3. Grow in containers first season before planting out.

Bottom Line

Leaf drop ≠ failure. Mulberry roots slowly. Keep moist, humid, patient. The water cutting is ahead but not necessarily better long-term.