Rooted cuttings must be adapted to withstand environmental stress after rooting has occurred. This process is called hardening. Cuttings that have been rooted in a humid environment with moderate temperatures often die if they are put directly in a dry, hot environment in full sun. They need a transitional period to let new leaves and shoots adjust gradually to environmental change. The following steps will help to harden the plants before transplanting:
•Decrease humidity by increasing ventilation in an enclosed rooting structure.
•After a gradual decrease in humidity, increase the light intensity gradually by moving plants into areas receiving increasing amounts of direct sunlight.
