Why Aren’t Your Cuttings Rooting? Could Brunnings Vermiculite Help Them Grow Faster?

April 3, 2025

Why Your Cuttings Are Saying “No Thanks”—And the Secret Little Bag That Could Help

Your friend swore by it. The internet made it look easy. And yet... your cuttings just won’t root. You gave them fresh snips, dipped them in rooting hormone, whispered sweet encouragements—and still nothing. Trust me, we’ve all been there.

So why do those juicy promises of new plant babies sometimes wither into... well, nothing? Settle in with a cuppa, because I'm about to spill some honest gardening tea—and yep, it includes a not-so-mysterious bag called Brunnings Vermiculite.

“Why Won’t They Root?” Let’s Pull Back the Curtain

If cuttings had a complaint form, moisture would probably be top of the list. Too much, and you drown precious stems. Too little, and they'll dry up before you've had a chance to name them. Figuring out that water balance can feel like walking a tightrope in a storm.

Then there’s oxygen—or rather, the lack of it. If you’re using heavy or soggy soil, your poor cuttings can’t breathe. And no air? No roots. It’s as simple as that. Oh, and let’s not forget light. Some cuttings need bright, indirect light to get going. Others act like moody teenagers and prefer a more shaded spot at first. Tricky little things, aren't they?

Enter Brunnings Vermiculite: The Support Act Your Cuttings Are Waiting For

Right, this is the bit I wish someone had told me when I was killing geranium stems like it was my job.

Brunnings Vermiculite is clean, light, and—bless its golden flakes—sterile. That last bit alone is a game-changer, especially when root rot tries to gatecrash your propagation party.

How Does It Actually Help?

Let’s break it down:

It holds moisture without suffocating the cutting. Wet but not soggy—that elusive sweet spot every gardener craves.
It lets in air. Think gentle arm floats for delicate stems, keeping them upright and breathing.
It's mess-free and light. So if you're into cuttings on the kitchen windowsill or balancing a propagation station next to your child's spaghetti painting, this stuff is your ride-or-die.

And if you're tackling sandy soil that drains faster than a toddler's attention span, adding some vermiculite to your potting mix will help stretch the time between waterings.

The Lazy Gardener’s Dream (Yep, That’s Me Some Days)

I used to think I needed fancy tricks to get cuttings going. Now I pop soft-stem cuttings straight into cups of Brunnings Vermiculite. No jokes—one summer, I rooted basil, coleus, and even a stubborn hydrangea that had refused to root in soil.

If you’re using pots, just moisten the vermiculite before you plant your cutting. Don’t drown it—no need for your cutting to pack floaties. Just a gentle soak, squeeze out any extra water, and plant away.

But I Already Have Potting Mix—Won’t That Work?

Yes... and no. Standard mixes often hold too much moisture or clamp down around the stem. Vermiculite lets you lighten the mix, giving roots the space they need to stretch out in peace.

For best results, I mix 50/50 potting mix and Brunnings Vermiculite. It changes the game—almost like giving your plants first-class seats instead of cramming them in economy.

Let’s Talk Looks (Yes, Really!)

Not that we’re choosing gardening products based on aesthetics, but can we talk about how Brunnings Vermiculite just *looks* fancy? Those pale gold flecks brighten up planter boxes like sprinkles on a cupcake. I've used it on top of indoor pots just to jazz them up—and it helps retain moisture too. Pretty and practical. Who said you can’t have both?

Seed Raising, Hydroponics, Hanging Baskets—It Covers the Lot

It’s not just about cuttings. If you’re starting seeds, Brunnings Vermiculite gives those tiny green sprouts a gentle and secure start. It’s also great for hydroponic projects—just imagine the roots peeking out, delighted at their fluffy surroundings. And for baskets that usually dry out faster than a washing line on a hot day? Add some vermiculite to keep moisture in check.

You Don’t Have to Guess Anymore

With beginners, the biggest hurdle is not knowing if you're doing it right. Bit of water here? Pinch off that leaf? Wait—is it dying or growing?

What Brunnings Vermiculite gives you is the peace of mind that the base you’re working with isn’t fighting against your efforts. It gives you some breathing space—figuratively for you, and literally for your cuttings.

Give Your Garden BFF Material

If you’ve been looking for something simple that just makes sense for beginners, this is it. Affordable, reliable, and doesn’t make you feel like you need a botany degree to use it. That's my kind of product.

So next time your cuttings give you the cold shoulder, maybe what they really need is a soft hug from Brunnings Vermiculite. It’s the quiet hero you didn’t know you needed… until you start seeing those first root nubs pop out. That never gets old.

Happy snipping, planting, and pottering,

Cheers,
Candeece