Brugmansia handwood cuttings

[Crundy]

I'm having massive problems trying to get cuttings from my brugmansia. If I post my technique can you guys tell me where I might be going wrong?

1) Took cuttings about 6-8" long, one diagonal cut below a shoot for the bottom and one horizontal cut above a shoot for the top (no leaves on the cuttings)
2) Stripped about 1-2cm of the bark off at the bottom, soaked in water for about 5 mins
3) Dipped in rooting hormone powder, then planted until only about 1-2" showing above soil in a deep pot
4) Kept soil moist, and kept pot on a north facing (not sunny) windowsill.

The cuttings seem to be shiveling up at the top and aren't looking too healthy. Did I do something stupid?

[sarraceniac]

Hi Crundy. What time of year did you do this? The other thing is can you amend your details to show where you are? Apart from the fact that your non-sunny north facing window pins you down to the northern hemisphere, your USDA equivalent zone and local conditions can make a difference.

[seasprout]

Dont strip the bark, and it has been proven that too much hormone rooting powder suppresses root development, try some without.

[Two_Sheds]

Here's a how-to video with the lovely Chris Beardshaw: Overwintering and propagating brugmansia plants | How to | Projects | BBC Gardeners' World

[Crundy]

@sarraceniac: I did this a few weeks ago. The plant was kept indoors and had finished flowered. I cut it back and put it in the garage to overwinter and thought I'd have another go at taking cuttings. I'm in the UK.

@seasprout: OK, I only stipped the bark because I saw a BBC video about hardwood cuttings and they suggested stripping off a little of the bark. Also, didn't know that about the hormone powder. I'll use less and none next year if I try again.

@Two_sheds: Thanks, I'll have a look tonight when I get a chance.