Taking cuttings from plants is an effective way to propagate new varieties, though success isn't guaranteed. Incorporating rooting hormone can greatly enhance your odds of achieving positive results.
Available at most garden centers, rooting hormone comes in several formulations. All types contain hormones that assist in rooting plant cuttings successfully.
While not mandatory for home propagation, rooting hormone can speed up rooting and help develop a robust root system. So, what precisely is rooting hormone, how does it function, and what's the best way to apply it to your cuttings?
Understanding Rooting Hormone
Rooting hormone mimics a plant's natural growth hormones to stimulate root formation. An expert in plant propagation describes how auxin, a chemical that promotes cell growth, is the key component in most rooting products.
Auxin can be naturally produced by plants or synthesized. Rooting hormone products that contain auxin are offered as powders, liquids, or gels, making them easy to obtain for home gardeners.
In addition to auxin, many of these products include other hormones to minimize rotting and reduce the risk of fungal infections.
An authority in plant propagation, Mike has been training growers worldwide since 1996.
When Should You Use Rooting Hormone?
Rooting hormone can be beneficial for a variety of cuttings, including softwood, semi-ripe, hardwood, root, and leaf cuttings. While it can enhance rooting success, using it often depends on personal preference.
Cuttings may root without hormone if properly cared for, but utilizing rooting hormone can expedite the process. Gardeners often apply it to ornamental perennials, shrubs, and trees throughout the year.
Several plants, like succulents, can root naturally without hormone, and it's typically not suitable for water propagation, as the hormone can wash away. Always research specific plants before deciding on using rooting hormone.
Application of Rooting Hormone
How you apply rooting hormone depends on its form. As a general guideline, avoid placing cuttings directly into the original container of hormone.
It's advisable to transfer the hormone into a smaller container for dipping the cuttings. This minimizes the spread of disease and prevents contamination of the original product.
Briefly dip the cuttings in the hormone, then shake off any excess before placing them into the soil or medium.
- For stem cuttings, dip the lower couple of inches into the hormone briefly, shake off excess, and insert into a pre-prepared hole in potting mix or perlite.
- For leaf cuttings, apply the hormone to the underside of the leaf closest to the plant center, which should then be pushed into the soil.
- Root cuttings should be rolled in the hormone before being planted horizontally in the medium.
Choosing the Best Rooting Hormone
Each form of rooting hormone—liquid, powder, and gel—has its advantages and disadvantages. Powders are simple to use and ideal for thicker cuttings, but can be messier compared to liquid or gel options.
Liquid rooting hormones are convenient, as you only need one product and can adjust concentrations for different types of cuttings according to the bottle's instructions.
For commercial growers, a popular recommendation is Dip 'n Grow. It's widely used by large wholesale growers and is known for its efficiency; a small amount can root thousands of cuttings.
Dip'n Grow Rooting Solution is a liquid concentrate that can be mixed with water to the desired strength, allowing for even absorption into the cutting stem.
Homemade Rooting Hormone Alternatives
Can You Make Your Own Rooting Hormone?
There are natural options for those preferring homemade rooting hormone. Ingredients like apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, honey, and aloe vera can be effective. Mix the first three with water before dipping the cuttings, while you can use aloe vera gel directly.
Selecting the right medium for your cuttings also plays a vital role in their success. Options include soil, perlite, water, or moss. A mix containing compost and perlite, available at Amazon is ideal to ensure good drainage, reducing the risk of root rot or fungus from overly wet conditions.
