Rooting Large Crape Myrtle Cuttings in Water (Hawaii)

Loretta in Oahu has 18-inch mature crape myrtle cuttings. Standard soil rooting is tricky for large woody pieces. Better approach:

1. Place cuttings in clean water (change every 2–3 days).
2. Keep in bright indirect light, warm.
3. Once roots appear (2–6 weeks), transplant carefully to sterile potting mix.
4. Treat as a seedling: high humidity, gradual acclimation.

Water rooting reduces desiccation risk on large cuttings. Once rooted, they establish fast in Hawaii's climate.