Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

What is the recommended minimum temperature for rooting shrubs?

1. Air temperature above the bench

2. Temperature of the rooting media

3. Air temperature at bench level

4. Temperature of the mist water

The correct answer is: Temperature of the rooting media

The recommended minimum temperature for rooting shrubs is the temperature of the rooting media. This is crucial because the rooting media directly affects the physiological processes involved in root development. When the rooting media is kept at an optimal temperature, typically around 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C), it promotes the growth of the plant's root system by encouraging cell division and nutrient uptake. Providing the right temperature in the rooting media also helps prevent stress on the cutting, facilitating quicker and more robust root formation. If the media is too cold, root development can be stunted, leading to slower growth and may even compromise the overall health of the plant. While air temperature at bench level, above the bench, and the temperature of the mist water can influence the overall growing environment, they do not directly correlate with the success of root formation as closely as the temperature of the rooting media does. Ultimately, ensuring the rooting media is maintained at the proper temperature is key to successful propagation of shrubs.