Can you use regular potting soil to propagate houseplants?

Question

I know that some plants are propagated differently, but the majority of mine have instructions to propagate cuttings in a mixture of moist peat and perlite and re-pot after rooting. Can't I just use rooting hormone and put them in regular potting soil?

Answer 1

You can use potting soil although there is a greater chance of mold or bacterial rotting of the cuttings.  One way to improve the chances of success is to heat the potting soil in a throw away aluminum pan in the oven for an hour.  Make sure the potting soil has a high percentage of peat or some other moisture holding substance such as compost.  Keep the pot or tray of cutting in a humid environment to reduce water loss.