Best Rooting Hormone For Propagating Plants

The best rooting hormone allows you as a gardener to not miss out on the vital element of propagating cuttings.

If you have tried to propagate ornamental plants and place them in your nursery only to notice them wilting, then a rooting hormone powder can help.

So, if you have never tried to root cuttings with a rooting hormone, you are missing out on a considerable boost of success for propagating cuttings.

What is a Rooting Hormone?

rooting hormone

Perhaps you’ve heard of the rooting hormone and began wondering what that is. This article will help you learn about this root growth stimulant and how to use it during propagation.

Plants produce substances that play a significant role in regulating their growth and development. These substances are categorized as hormones or phytohormones. Interestingly, hormones act as signals that urge a particular process, such as root development.

This root growth stimulant will stimulate growth even at a deficient concentration. Using a root hormone helps aid root growth in plant cuttings. We know some outdoor plant species, like fruit trees, are difficult to root.

Thus, the application of root growth stimulants helps promote the rooting. A root growth stimulant you can find in different forms, such as rooting powders, rooting hormone gel, or liquid hormone. Each root growth stimulant product contains specific plant growth hormone regulators to help with root growth.

How do you use a rooting hormone?

Using root hormone products involves dipping the cut end of a cutting into rooting powders, gels, or liquid before planting it in a growing medium. This helps the cutting produce roots more quickly and successfully, increasing the chances of successful propagation.

The rooting hormone’s choice and concentration depend on the plant species and the cutting you are working with. Following the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for each specific rooting hormone product is essential to achieve the best results.

Types of Rooting Hormones

There are various rooting hormone products that you’ll encounter in the market. Regardless of what type, they all belong to the hormone class auxin. It can either be a natural rooting hormone or a synthetic one.

A product with an active ingredient like indole 3 butyric acid (IBA) or indole 3 acetic acid (IAA) means it carries a naturally occurring hormone. If it’s 1-Napthaleneacetic acid (NAA), it’s synthetic.

Here is a breakdown of the different rooting hormone categories you can find:

Auxin-Based Hormones

The most common type of rooting hormone is auxin-based. Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) are two types of auxins used in these products. They promote cell division in the cutting’s stem tissue, encouraging root formation.

Cytokinin-Based Hormones

These hormones, such as kinetin, have the opposite effect of auxins. They stimulate the growth of shoots and leaves. While they are less commonly used for rooting cuttings, they can be effective in specific situations.

Gibberellin-Based Hormones

Gibberellins are primarily involved in stem elongation and flowering but are not commonly used as rooting hormones.

I know deciding which is the best choice can be overwhelming. That’s why it pays to know the different types of rooting hormones. So take note and remember the following information so you can properly weigh your options:

Stay tuned, and Plantly will provide you with the choices you will most likely use.

The Best Rooting Hormone For Root Growth

You want a garden-safe rooting hormone for your indoor plants, edible plants, and fruit trees. So, what are your choices for healthy root growth and organic gardeners? Here are the options to choose the best-rooting hormone on the market:

Liquid Rooting Hormone

A liquid rooting hormone is a hormone-containing product in the form of liquid. This type is typically used in hydroponics, where the substrate for growing new plants is a nutrient solution rather than soil. Since it’s liquid, you can easily mix it with the solution to promote root growth.

Some contain the concentrated liquid hormone. Thus, you only have a minimum amount of liquid to attain favorable results. You will have to mix it with water for dilution. That’s the best thing about hormones. Even with a small amount, it can regulate essential plant processes.

Always follow the instructions pasted on the label, whether using a concentrated liquid rooting hormone or a ready-to-use one.

Powdered Rooting Hormone

A rooting hormone may also come in powder form. This is the most common type of hormone in the market. This rooting powder can be used simply in propagating plants like Dip n Grow.

Once you obtain a healthy plant cutting, you have to moisten the bottom part. Do this so the powder will easily adhere to the stem.

Dip the moistened part into the rooting powder. After that, you can plant the cutting to moist soil for potting.

Homemade Rooting Hormone

One of the most commonly used natural substances for this purpose is willow water, which contains natural hormones for making your rooting hormone.

Here’s a simple recipe for homemade willow water rooting hormone:

  • Gather Willow Branches: Look for fresh, young willow branches or twigs with plenty of leaves. These typically have higher concentrations of rooting hormones.
  • Cut the Willow Branches: Use clean pruning shears or scissors to cut the willow branches into small pieces, around 1-2 inches long. You can use both the leaves and stems.
  • Soak the Willow Pieces: Place the cut willow pieces into a container, such as a jar or a bucket. Add enough water to cover the willow pieces completely.
  • Seal the Container: Close the container with a lid to prevent evaporation and let it sit for several days. The water will absorb the natural hormones from the willow.
  • Stir Occasionally: Stir the mixture occasionally during the soaking period to help release more rooting hormone into the water.
  • Strain the Willow Water: After a week, strain the liquid to remove the willow pieces, leaving you with the homemade rooting hormone solution. You can use a fine sieve or cheesecloth for this.
  • Application: When propagating new plants, you can use the willow water as a rooting hormone by dipping your cuttings or pouring it into the planting holes or containers.

Additional Tips:

  • Willow water can be stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks, but using it as fresh as possible for the highest hormone concentration is best.

  • If you want to make smaller quantities, you can reduce the amount of willow and water accordingly.

  • While willow water is a natural hormone, it may not be as potent as a commercial rooting hormone. You may need to use it on various cuttings to achieve successful results.

Homemade solutions, like willow water, are eco-friendly and cost-effective to encourage root development in cuttings.

Nonetheless, keep in mind that the effectiveness may vary depending on the species and the age of the willow branches used.

A little experiment will help you determine which option works best with the plant you’re trying to grow.

Proper Ways to Use Rooting Hormones

Now that we’ve gathered enough information about the rooting hormone you want to use, let’s go about the process of the proper ways to use these chemicals:

Materials You’ll Need:

  1. Rooting hormone gel, liquid rooting hormone, or powder rooting hormone

  2. Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors

  3. Plant cuttings

  4. Pots or containers

  5. Growing medium (potting mix or seed-starting mix)

  6. Watering can or spray bottle

Select and Prepare Cuttings

Choose a cutting for best rooting method l Plantly

Choose healthy, disease-free cuttings. Depending on the plant, these can be stem, leaf, or softwood cuttings. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle just below a node (a node is where leaves, branches, or flowers emerge). Make clean, sharp cuts to avoid damaging the plant tissue.

Dip The Cuttings

Pour a small amount of rooting hormone into a separate container or onto a clean, dry plate. Do not dip the cuttings directly into the original rooting powder or liquid container to prevent contamination. Take one cutting and dip the cut end (the end you just cut) into the rooting hormone.

Cover the end evenly, but shake off any excess rooting powder or gel. Doing this helps aid root growth.

Plant The Cutting

succulent cuttings planted

Fill pots or containers with a suitable growing medium, like potting mix or seed-starting mix. We recommend a liquid rooting hormone instead of a Bontone II rooting powder for water propagation.

Insert the treated cutting into the growing medium, ensuring that at least one node is buried to encourage growing roots. Gently firm the medium around the cutting to provide support.

For water propagation, ensure that one node is under the water line.

Wait For Plant Roots to Grow

Water the newly planted cuttings thoroughly to settle the medium and ensure good soil-to-stem contact. To create a humid environment, you can cover the pots or containers with a plastic dome or place them inside a clear plastic bag. This helps retain moisture and increases the chances of successful rooting.

Place the cuttings in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can stress the cuttings. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. You can mist the cuttings daily to maintain humidity.

Monitoring the progress and ensuring the cuttings remain healthy and disease-free is essential. Roots should develop within a week or two. The rooting hormone speeds up the process and increases the chances of success.

Rooted cuttings l Plantly

Make sure to store your rooting hormone in proper storage. And keep it tightly sealed as well. Liquid hormones typically require to be refrigeration. Just read the labels for instructions on storage.

What Are The Do’s And Don’t Of Using Rooting Hormones?

Using rooting hormones effectively involves following some do’s and avoiding certain don’ts to ensure successful plant propagation. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts for using rooting hormones:

Do’s:

  • Select healthy plant cuttings free from diseases and without signs of stress or damage. Healthy cuttings are more likely to root successfully.

  • Make clean and precise cuts on the plant material using sterilized pruning shears or scissors. This prevents contamination and ensures optimal results.

  • Read and follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of the rooting hormone product you are using. Different products may have varying application methods and concentrations.

  • When using rooting hormone in powder, gel, or liquid form, ensure that you coat the cut end of the cutting evenly. Excess hormones should be gently shaken off to avoid overapplication.

  • Ensure the potting mix or growing medium is moist before inserting the cuttings. This helps establish good soil-to-stem contact.

  • Create a humid environment for the cuttings by covering them with a plastic dome or placing them in a clear plastic bag. This retains moisture and promotes successful rooting.

  • Place the cuttings in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, which can cause stress and wilting.

  • Regularly check the cuttings for signs of roots and overall health. Remove any cuttings that show signs of rot or disease promptly.

Don’ts:

  • Applying too much rooting hormone can harm the cuttings rather than help them. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific product.

  • Pour a small amount of rooting hormone into a separate container to avoid contamination. Dipping cuttings directly into the original container can introduce pathogens and impurities.

  • Shake off any excess rooting hormone from the cuttings to prevent an overly concentrated application.

  • Ensure you choose the correct type of rooting hormone for your cultivars. For example, most cuttings benefit from auxin-based hormones, but other types may suit specific situations.

  • Always clean and sterilize your pruning tools before use to prevent the spread of diseases from one plant to another.

  • While it’s essential to keep the growing medium consistently moist, avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot or fungal issues.

  • Keep a close eye on the cuttings throughout the rooting process. Neglecting them can result in failed propagation.

By following these do’s and don’ts, you can maximize your chances of successfully propagating new plants using rooting hormones while ensuring the health and vitality of the cuttings.

What’s the Best Type of Rooting Hormone?

The best rooting hormone is the one that serves its purpose. It should successfully induce rooting in your cuttings, speeding up the process and helping you propagate more clones of your favorite plants.

Although rooting hormones appear in different types, whether a hormone liquid concentrate, a rooting hormone powder, or a rooting hormone gel, they all have one purpose. Just choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Different gardeners have their preferences, and what works for them wouldn’t necessarily work for you. So, it’s better to try different rooting hormones as an experiment. Later, you can decide on your preferred rooting hormone.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no clear winner between a liquid rooting hormone and natural rooting powder, as both can effectively promote root growth in cuttings.

It ultimately depends on the species and the specific cutting you are working with.

Each rooting hormone product contains different concentrations of growth hormone regulators, so following the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines is essential for the best results.

Rooting hormones can help increase the chances of successful propagation in plant cuttings. Various types of rooting hormone products are available in the market, including liquid and powder forms.

Each product contains specific growth hormone regulators to help with root growth.

Hydrodynamics Clonex Rooting Gel is a popular and effective rooting hormone product containing indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and is often recommended for beginners.

A rooting hormone powder is often the best option for versatility, as it can be applied to various plants and cutting types.

Additionally, powdered rooting hormones are typically less expensive than liquid or gel forms, making them a cost-effective option for gardeners.

Yet, the effectiveness of any rooting hormone product can vary depending on the specific species and cutting type, so it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

Willow water is typically considered the best natural root stimulant, containing natural rooting hormones such as indolebutyric acid (IBA). Honey is another natural option that can help stimulate root growth, but the effectiveness of natural rooting hormones can vary depending on the specific plant species and cutting type.

Yes, it is possible to grow cuttings without rooting hormone. Nevertheless, using rooting hormone can increase the chances of successful propagation and help the cutting produce roots more quickly and successfully.

If you choose not to use rooting hormone, other methods can help encourage root growth, such as misting the cuttings regularly, keeping the soil moist, and providing adequate light and warmth. However, keep in mind that the success rate may be lower without the use of rooting hormones.

Hydrodynamics Clonex Rooting Gel is a popular and effective option for promoting root growth in cuttings. It contains the hormone indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and is easy to use, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Another effective option is Olivia’s Cloning Gel, but it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any rooting hormone product to ensure the best results.

Whether you want to buy, sell, or simply reach out to other plant enthusiasts, Plantly is the right place to be!
 

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