How to Use Rooting Hormone

Rooting hormone is a remarkable tool that allows gardeners and enthusiastic beginners to unlock the full potential of their plant propagation endeavours. Whether you aim to propagate a plant, revive a struggling cutting, or simply wish to expand your garden, understanding the art of using rooting hormone can be a game-changer. In this article, you will learn how to use rooting hormone by understanding the science behind it, as well as its effectiveness as a gardening tool.

What is Rooting Hormone?

Rooting hormone is a transformative substance that is available in various formats, including powder, liquid, and even gel formats. It serves as a catalyst for stimulating root growth, especially with root cuttings. They work by using imitating auxin, a natural plant hormone that encourages plant development. While not mandatory for all cuttings, the rooting hormone approach proves beneficial for challenging-to-propagate plant species. Cuttings can make results within 2-8 weeks after appliance, which can make your plants stronger and more resilient.

Types of Rooting Hormone

To help you to distinguish which type of rooting hormone is right for you, learn about the following varieties:

1. Rooting Hormone in Powder Form: Widely stocked in gardening stores, powder rooting hormone[i] is often the most well-sold. It proves exceptionally effective, particularly for hobbyists and home gardeners engaged in propagating houseplants and other commonly cultivated species.
2. Liquid Rooting Hormone: This form of rooting hormone is more diverse. It is ready-to-use and can come available in a concentrated solution too. When you use liquid rooting hormone[ii], make sure to follow the instructions carefully as high application can ruin the health of plant cuttings.
3. Rooting Gel: If you are unable to use powdered forms of rooting hormone, rooting gel[iii] also offers a practical alternative. It is also easier to handle and apply, making it a reliable option.

When to Use Rooting Hormone

When contemplating the use of rooting hormones, the time of year often provides a valuable guiding factor. Herbaceous softwood cuttings, typically obtained during summer, exhibit rapid rooting and thrive with low concentrations of rooting hormones. In contrast, woody hardwood cuttings obtained in winter necessitate higher hormone concentrations and boast a longer root development timeline.

While the effectiveness of rooting hormones can vary across plant species, certain plants exhibit a greater reliance on these aids to establish roots successfully. The following plants seldom “strike” (take root) without the aid of rooting hormone:

• Dahlia
• Hibiscus
• Lobelia
• Osteospermum
• Fuchsias
• Salvias
• Snapdragon

When Not to Use Rooting Hormone

If you want to promote an organic gardening ethos, utilising synthetic rooting hormones may not align with your preferences. These artificially manufactured products often incorporate fungicides, which have been associated with declines in bee populations. Furthermore, incorrect usage of these substances can hinder photosynthesis, potentially impeding long-term robust growth.

Natural Self-Sufficiency: Interestingly, certain plants possess inherent capabilities that render the use of rooting hormones unnecessary. This list of self-sufficient plants includes:

• Coleus
• Impatiens
• Petunia
• Lavender
• Perennial wallflower
• Verbena bonariensis

Embracing Organic Alternatives: However, if you want to avoid using synthetic chemicals while still benefiting from rooting aids, the market offers organic rooting powders. These alternatives harness naturally occurring auxins, ensuring an eco-friendlier approach to plant propagation.

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Which Cuttings Can You Use?

Rooting hormone exhibits remarkable efficacy across a diverse range of cuttings, encompassing new growth, woody stems, leaves, and even existing roots. By applying the rooting hormone, the chances of successful propagation are significantly amplified. To ensure optimal results, it is advisable to wait until the blooms of a plant fade before proceeding with the cutting. Moreover, established plants can also benefit from rooting hormone application on their stumps to stimulate root branching. However, avoid administering excessive amounts of rooting hormone to either new or established plants, as it may harm the delicate root system.

When rooting new plants from their original source, this can prove to be a gradual process. Before the development of a robust root system, the cuttings are fragile and require careful handling. It is crucial to maintain the planting medium consistently moist, avoiding excessive wetness. Additionally, providing filtered lighting will allow for optimal growth of your new cuttings.

NOTE: using rooting hormone in water propagation is not advised. Water can wash away the hormone, rendering it ineffective, while also disrupting the water’s clarity.

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How to Use Rooting Hormone

After you have chosen your rooting hormone format (powder, gel, or liquid), begin preparing your plant cuttings. For this process, we personally prefer powdered or gelled rooting hormones since they are easier to apply than a liquid form which can harm cuttings.

1. Ensure that your cuttings are fresh, and the wound is clean. Make the cut just below a node or leaf joint where natural plant auxins are present. Remove any lower leaves since the roots will emerge from that area.
2. Take a sterile container and pour the powder or gel into it. Dip the base of your cutting into the container, tapping or shaking it gently to remove any excess. If the powder doesn’t stick, dip the cutting in water first. Insert the cutting into a pre-made hole in moist potting compost, preferably near the pot’s edge where soil evaporation is minimal.
3. Cuttings lack roots to absorb moisture, so they are vulnerable. Create a humid environment to prevent leaf evaporation. You can do this by placing the cuttings in a propagator or covering the pot with a clear plastic bag. A heated propagator with bottom heat can also promote root growth.
4. Find a location with dappled sunlight for your cuttings.
5. Watch for new leaves to appear. Once you notice new growth, it indicates that roots have formed.

How to Get the Best Results from Your Rooting Hormone

To get the best results from your rooting hormone, you should:

• Take your cuttings in the morning when they have plenty of water inside.
• Avoid selecting cuttings from flowering shoots, as they have a lower chance of rooting successfully.
• Be cautious not to apply an excessive amount of rooting hormone, as it can harm the cutting.
• Make sure the foliage doesn’t encounter the rooting hormone, as it can cause deformed leaves.
• To minimize moisture loss, cut large leaves in half to reduce their surface area.
• Provide bottom heat to promote root growth. You can purchase heated mats or propagators that create a warm and consistent temperature from underneath.

Using Root Hormone on a Stem Cutting

1. Begin by using a clean knife or shears to carefully remove a fresh and healthy stem cutting from a vigorous and healthy parent plant. Ensure that the cutting’s growing tip measures between three to eight inches in length.
2. Make the cut near a node, which is a slightly swollen knob on the stem. Remove any leaves or flowers from the area around the node.
3. Next, dampen the bottom few inches of the cutting to create a moist surface for the rooting hormone to adhere to.
4. Take a separate container, clean it, and pour rooting hormone into it. It’s important not to dip the cutting directly into the original rooting hormone container.
5. Avoid applying the hormone higher than the final planting depth of the cutting. Lightly tap the cutting against the edge of the container to remove any excess powder.
6. Prepare a soilless potting medium and make a hole in it using a pencil or a similar tool. Ensure that the planting hole is wide enough to prevent rubbing off the rooting hormone as you insert the cutting into the soil.
7. Gently press the soil around the cutting to eliminate any air pockets. Give the cutting a light watering, preferably using a spray bottle, and keep it in a warm location with temperatures at or above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s best to avoid exposing the cutting to direct sunlight, as root development is optimal under indirect light conditions.

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Working with Leaf Cuttings

Certain plants, including many succulents, lack traditional stems for propagation purposes.

However, you can still propagate these plants using leaf cuttings. Depending on the leaf structure, apply the rooting hormone to the section of the leaf closest to the centre of the plant. Afterward, cover the treated part with a soilless potting mix. Insert the leaf partially into the mix.

In the case of leaves with short stems, such as African violets, dip the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in the potting soil just like you would with stem cuttings. Sink the stem up to the leaf into the potting mix.

Sometimes, it becomes necessary to apply rooting hormone to the backside of the leaves. Afterward, lay them on top of the moist soilless mix and lightly press them down until they make contact with the potting medium.

Ensure that all plants undergoing rooting are kept away from direct sunlight until they have established a strong root system.

Working with Root Cuttings

To take root cuttings, start by:

1. Carefully remove the soil from around the roots of the parent plant.
2. Next, cut slender roots into 2-inch pieces and make sure to cover the root area of the parent plant again.
3. Roll the root cuttings in the rooting hormone and then plant them at a shallow depth in the potting medium.
4. Remember to keep the potting medium consistently moist but be cautious not to overwater it.

Benefits of Using Rooting Hormone

1. Increased success rate with lesser instances of failure.
2. Development of robust roots to promote overall plant health.
3. Accelerated propagating.
4. More effective when propagating plant varieties.

Other Natural Alternatives to Rooting Hormone

Many gardeners are actively seeking alternatives to potent chemicals, aiming to minimize their usage. Fortunately, there are options available as alternatives to traditional rooting hormones.

One such option is Westland’s rooting gel, which stands out as an organic product free from chemicals, hormones, and fungicides. It presents a compelling choice for those who prefer natural methods in their plant cultivation endeavours.

This product harnesses the power of natural oils that have been scientifically proven to stimulate root growth. Positive online customer reviews further validate its efficacy and desirability.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating with Rooting Hormone

If you are new to propagating and haven’t used rooting hormone before, follow these steps carefully:

1. Choose the right time of year for propagation, avoiding winter.
2. Pick a warm, overcast day without excessive heat that could stress the plant.
3. Ensure the plant is well-watered a day before to keep the stems moist.
4. Clean your snips or secateurs to prevent disease, using alcohol or hot water.
5. Take the cuttings in the morning when shoots are moist.
6. Cut stems just below the leaf node, making a clean cut.
7. Trim excess leaves, leaving only one or two small ones to prevent moisture loss.
8. Remove flowers if present to focus the plant’s energy on root growth.
9. Dip the stem and node in rooting hormone, using a separate container to prevent contamination.
10. Insert the stems into a suitable growing medium, like peat or soil, and water gently.
11. Seal the container in an airtight environment, such as a propagator or plastic tub.
12. If the weather is cold, use a heated propagator to expedite the process.
13. Place the container in a location with good but indirect sunlight.
14. Check the stems periodically after a few weeks and provide fresh air circulation.
15. Look for roots growing from the bottom of the container as a sign of successful propagation.
16. Gradually acclimate the new plants to the outdoor environment to avoid sudden temperature changes when transferring to the garden.

After you have followed these steps, you will have successfully propagated your plants.

Learn How to Use Rooting Hormone Properly For Efficient Results

Using rooting hormone can significantly increase the success rate and efficiency of plant propagation. By providing the necessary boost to root growth, rooting hormone helps create strong and healthy plants. It is particularly beneficial for challenging-to-propagate plant varieties. Overall, incorporating rooting hormone into the propagation process can be a valuable tool for gardeners seeking to expand their plant collections and achieve successful propagation outcomes.

FAQs

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Sources

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[i] eBay. (n.d.). Rooting Powder. [Online]. Available at: https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Rooting-Powder/25876/bn_7023409811 [accessed 15/06/23]

[ii] Amazon. (n.d.). Dip ‘N Grow 2-Ounce Rooting Hormone. [Online] Available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dip-Grow-2-Ounce-Rooting-Hormone/dp/B000OVCDSW [accessed 15/06/23]

[iii] Amazon. (n.d.). Westland Organic Rooting Gel, 150 ml. [Online] Available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Westland-Organic-Rooting-Gel-150/dp/B0777WMFCC [accessed 15/06/23]