Explained and Reviewed: The Best Rooting Hormone for Your Plants

Your plants need a little help to grow roots, especially if they come from cuttings. That’s where rooting hormones come in. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one? In this article, we’ll explain what rooting hormones are, how they work, and review some of the best ones on the market.

What Are Rooting Hormones?

Rooting hormones are synthetic or natural compounds that help stimulate root growth in cuttings. They contain auxins, which are plant hormones that control cell elongation and division. Auxins are naturally produced by plants, but rooting hormones provide an extra boost of these hormones to encourage faster root development.

Rooting hormones come in different strengths and forms, such as gels, powders, and liquids. Some also have added ingredients, such as vitamins and minerals, to support overall plant health.

Types of Rooting Hormones

There are three main types of rooting hormones: synthetic, natural, and homemade.

Synthetic Rooting Hormones

Synthetic rooting hormones are made from chemical compounds, such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). They are highly concentrated and effective, making them the most popular type of rooting hormone on the market. However, some people prefer to avoid synthetic chemicals in their gardening practices.

Natural Rooting Hormones

Natural rooting hormones are made from plant extracts, such as willow bark, honey, and seaweed. They are less concentrated than synthetic hormones, but still effective. Natural rooting hormones are a good choice for those who want to avoid synthetic chemicals in their gardening practices.

Homemade Rooting Hormones

Homemade rooting hormones are made from common household items, such as aspirin, cinnamon, and honey. They are easy to make and affordable, but their effectiveness varies. Homemade rooting hormones are a good choice for those on a budget or who prefer DIY solutions.

How to Use Rooting Hormones

Using rooting hormones is easy, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Here are the basic steps:

1. Take a cutting from the plant you wish to propagate.
2. Dip the cut end of the cutting into the rooting hormone.
3. Plant the cutting in moist soil or growing medium.
4. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or dome to retain moisture.
5. Place the cutting in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
6. Keep the soil or growing medium moist, but not waterlogged.
7. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to develop roots.
8. Once the cutting has developed a healthy root system, it can be transplanted into its permanent location.

Top Rooting Hormones Reviewed

Clonex Rooting Gel

Clonex Rooting Gel

Clonex Rooting Gel is a popular choice among gardeners and horticulturists. It contains 0.31% indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), which is a synthetic auxin that promotes root growth. The gel formula is easy to apply and stays in place on the cutting. Clonex Rooting Gel also contains vitamins and minerals to support overall plant health.

RootBoost Rooting Hormone Powder

RootBoost Rooting Hormone Powder

RootBoost Rooting Hormone Powder is another popular choice among gardeners. It contains 0.1% indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 0.05% naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), which are both synthetic auxins that promote root growth. The powder formula is easy to use and can be applied directly to the cutting or mixed with water. RootBoost Rooting Hormone Powder also contains a fungicide to prevent damping off.

Honey Rooting Hormone

Honey Rooting Hormone

Honey is a natural rooting hormone that has been used for centuries. It contains natural auxins and enzymes that help promote root growth. To use honey as a rooting hormone, simply dip the cut end of the cutting into a small amount of honey before planting in moist soil or growing medium. Honey also has antibacterial properties that can help prevent root rot.

Cinnamon Rooting Hormone

Cinnamon Rooting Hormone

Cinnamon is another natural rooting hormone that has gained popularity in recent years. It contains natural plant hormones and antimicrobial properties that help stimulate root growth and prevent fungal infections. To use cinnamon as a rooting hormone, simply dip the cut end of the cutting into a small amount of ground cinnamon before planting in moist soil or growing medium.

Rooting hormones are a valuable tool for propagating plants from cuttings. Synthetic, natural, and homemade rooting hormones all have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for your needs. By following the manufacturer’s instructions and using rooting hormones correctly, you can ensure successful root development and healthy plant growth.

Best Rooting Hormone, Plant Propagation, Cuttings, Root Growth, Synthetic Rooting Hormones, Natural Rooting Hormones, Homemade Rooting Hormones