Rooting of Stem Cuttings of Hoya carnosa in Different Types of Substrates

Abstract

The Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa) is a hardy plant suited for both outdoor and indoor environments, and equally represents a profitable option for producers who commercialize this species. However, its propagation can be compromised by substrates unsuitable for rooting. The objective of this experiment was to identify the most adequate substrate for rooting stem cuttings of H. carnosa. The study was conducted in a nursery located in Cabañas Caacupé, from September to November 2022. A randomized complete block design was used, with 8 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments consisted of the following rooting substrates: Washed Sand, Coarse Sand, Compost+Coarse Sand, Vermicompost, Rice Husk, Phenolic Foam, Commercial Substrate, and Sphagnum Moss. The evaluated variables were rooting percentage, longest root length, number of roots, fresh mass of rooted cuttings, and survival percentage. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a mean comparison using Tukey's test at a 5% error probability were performed. Significant differences were found for the variables longest root length and number of roots. However, no significant differences were observed for rooting percentage, fresh mass of rooted cuttings, or survival percentage. Aerated organic substrates such as vermicompost, compost+coarse sand, and coarse sand favored the formation of vigorous roots, indicating that substrate quality has a greater influence on root development than on overall rooting percentage.