When propagating your plants, the easiest way to get the exact species of plant is to get a cutting from a mature plant and propagate them and by using the best rooting hormone which will allow your plant to grow much faster.
Rooting hormones will speed up the process of propagation and root development almost 50 per cent faster in some cases.
If you are wondering if root hormones really work? Well, yes it does!
Trying out a rooting hormone for your propagation will really change your gardening game to a whole new level!
Auxins were the first of the major plant hormones to be discovered. They derive their name from the Greek word αυξειν (auxein – “to grow/increase”). Auxin can be found in all parts of a plant, although in very different concentrations.
It is the auxin that creates “patterns” of auxin concentration maxima and minima in the plant body, which in turn guide further development of respective cells, and ultimately of the plant as a whole. This means a healthier and stronger plant in general.
In this article we are going to go through the 7 best rooting hormones for plants that are available in the market, the types of rooting hormones available, alternatives for rooting hormones and the differences to consider before purchasing your best rooting hormone for your plant children.
We hope to help you understand more about rooting hormones and why you should consider it for propagation as well as invite you to look at the best products out there for you that are not only amazing for your plants but also not too expensive.
What is a Rooting Hormone?
When you are propagating your plants using a stem cutting, using a root-stimulating hormone can be extremely helpful. Garden safe rooting hormone will increase the chance of successful plant rooting in most conditions.
After using the best rooting hormone for your cuttings, the roots will generally develop quickly and be of higher quality than when plant-rooting hormones are not used. While there are many plants that root freely on their own, using a root hormone makes the task of propagating difficult plants much easier.
Some plants, such as pothos (money plant), will even form roots in water, but these roots are never as strong as those that are rooted in soil using a rooting hormone.
In simple terms, rooting hormone is a powder made with the right nutrients to stimulate and enhance your cuttings growth. This allows the roots to form much faster and healthier.
As a plant lover myself, I was sceptical about using root hormones for propagating my plants, however, after I tried using the best rooting hormone powder I was fascinated by how fast my cuttings were growing with an abundance of healthy strong roots which were ready for potting much faster.
3 Types of Rooting Hormones
Although different mediums of rooting hormone are available, most gardeners have their own personal preferences. However, not to worry as all of them work equally well. It is just up to you whether you prefer liquid, gel or powder as each gardener’s opinion may differ.
Here are some things you should know about these three different types of rooting hormones if your deciding which one to get or if you are uncertain about how they are different.
Liquid
Liquid rooting hormones are by far the most common type of rooting hormone that gardeners usually use. The first type of liquid rooting hormone which is standardly sold in nurseries can be applied directly to your cuttings. The next type requires it to be diluted in water before used on the cuttings.
If you are using the ready-to-use liquid rooting hormone it is best to pour them into different containers instead of dripping directly into the bottle. This will prevent diseases from infecting your new cuttings.
On the other hand, if you are using the concentrated rooting hormone you must dilute it before use. Although it may seem like an unnecessary hassle this type of liquid rooting hormone is much cheaper in comparison to the ready-to-go type.
Gel
The most popular among the three types is the gel form of rooting hormone. This is the most convenient type of rooting hormone.
The best cloning gel allows you to just dip your cuttings in the gel. The gel will automatically stick to the cuttings and then you can place your cuttings in a growing container.
It’s as easy as A, B, C!
Powder
Powder rooting hormones have the best shelf time. Gardeners often prefer this type of rooting hormone because it lasts longer.
When using rooting hormone powder all you need to do is dip your cuttings into water which will allow the powder to seal the cut area. Then you can pour some powder into a separate bowl or plate to avoid contamination.
Finally, dip your wet cuttings into the powder then shake off any excess before placing your cutting in a growing container.
7 Best Rooting Hormone
HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel
This is a popular brand in the market that is known to be the best rooting hormone out there in the market.
Here are some points to consider:
Clonex is a high performance, water-based, rooting gel.
It is a tenacious gel which will remain in contact around the stem, sealing the cut tissue and supplying the hormones needed to promote root cell development and vitamins to protect the delicate new root tissue.
However, gel forms of rooting hormone don’t last as long as the powdered kinds and may be quite pricey for only 100ml of product.
Clonex has a full spectrum of mineral nutrients and trace elements to nourish the young roots during their important formative stages
RootBoost Rooting Hormone Powder
So, as you know powdered forms of rooting hormone have the best shelf life. This is also known as one of the best rooting hormone for cuttings.
This product is known to transform cuttings into strong, healthy flower plants. Another perk is that it has enough rooting hormone for hundreds of cuttings which is definitely worth the price!
Additionally, it is also the same formula as used by professionals and by many passionate gardeners.
However, this product does require a bit more manual work compared to the gel types. This is because you will have to dip your cutting in water then the powder itself whereas for gel types of rooting hormone you just need to dip the cutting into the gel and place in the growing container.
Bonide BND925 – Bontone II Rooting Powder
This is also one of the best rooting powder for propagation. To top that off, it is also one of the best rooting hormone for water propagation.
This product promotes the development of the cutting, can work on bulbs and seeds, works on a variety of plants and is ideal for transplants.
However, unlike the gel type of root hormone, powdered kinds require a bit more time in comparison to gel types and can be messier compared to gel types as well.
Hormex Rooting Hormone Powder #1
The fastest way to root new plants from cuttings. Find your plant variety and rooting powder strength and is excellent for all grown mediums. Rockwool, coco, peat moss, soil, clay pellets and more.
This product is free of alcohol, dye and preservatives. Especially important when plants are for consumption.
This will also ensure stronger, healthier roots for faster transplanting of all plant varieties and helps prevent root rot and sagging cuttings for stronger roots and transplant success.
Note however that powdered forms of root hormone tend to be messier than the gel and liquid types and require a slightly longer process when propagating.
Rooting Gel for Cuttings – IBA Rooting Hormone – Cloning Gel for Strong Clones
This is one of the best rooting medium out there in the market!
The IBA rooting hormone uses an IBA rooting hormone for maximum cloning effectiveness. IBA is the number one rooting hormone for cloning plants.
A reliable rooting hormone gel to clone your cuttings and plants. Our cloning gel works on all types of plants and shrubbery.
Additionally, 35% IBA rooting hormone for cuttings is the perfect balance to root different types of plants. Too much of a rooting hormone can overwhelm the plants and cause issues. Our rooting hormone gel recipe has the ratio worked out perfectly. For results, you can count on Shop Midas.
However, similarly powered rooting hormones usually last longer in quantity compared to gels.
Doff 75g Hormone Rooting Powder
A natural rooting hormone for all edible and ornamental cuttings. This product encourages rooting in all forms of cuttings and promotes strong healthy root development among plants.
The powder formulation contains growth hormones for propagation which is one of the best rooting hormone for roses, ferns, succulents and many more!
You can use this product all year round whenever needed.
The only downside is that powdered rooting hormones require a bit of extra time during propagation as we will need to separate some to prevent contamination then dip your cutting in water before sealing the cutting with the powder.
This requires a bit more effort in comparison to the gel types of rooting hormone which you just need to dip your cutting into and then plant in a growing container.
Powdered forms of rooting hormones are also said to be messier in comparison to gel or liquid types.
Technaflora Rootech Gel for Plants, 7-Grams
Rootech cloning gel is an exceptional and unique recipe containing a powerful hormone especially formulated to promote rapid, healthy root development.
Rootech’s unique formulation surrounds the stem with sustenance it can immediately use to develop as fast and healthily as possible.
Rootech cloning gel is packaged in a ready-to-use, wide-mouthed container and the gel format ensures ease of use for gardeners when they want to propagate their plants.
This product consistently fosters robust clones with healthy, fast-growing root systems and comes in a container that measures 1-1/2-inch length by 1-1/2-inch width by 1-inch height.
However, if you are someone who is clumsy and messy this product tends to be more untidy in comparison to gel types of rooting hormone which is easier to use during propagation and usually creates less of a mess.
How to Use Rooting Hormone?
When your plant is ready for propagation, rooting hormone should be applied immediately before you place your clipping in the soil.
For powdered hormones,after wetting your cutting, dip the base of the cutting into the hormone, then shake gently to remove any excess. Place the cutting into moist soil, loosely covering the base or even just plain water until the roots form.
Best Rooting Hormone Frequently Asked Questions
Which rooting hormone is the best?
All rooting hormones should get the job done well enough for you to want to use rooting hormone again.
However, HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel seems to be one of the most popular choices of rooting hormone for plants among gardeners.
What can I use instead of rooting hormone?
Here are some alternatives for rooting hormone which you can find in your house:
Cinnamon:
Step 1: Lay down a paper towel somewhere flat.
Step 2: Take your pure cinnamon and place a tablespoon onto the paper towel.
Step 3: Dampen the ends of your houseplant stems in some water. Don’t soak them, but make sure they’re a little wet so the cinnamon can stick.
Step 4: Coat the ends of the stems in the cinnamon fully on all sides.
Step 5: Transfer the plant stems to a pot with potting soil. Wait for growth!
Aloe vera:
Step 1: Place your aloe vera on a cutting board. The smallest end of the leaf should be pointed in your direction. Make a cut into the leaf at the opposite end.
Step 2: Use a spoon from the kitchen. Push the spoon from the end of the leaf with the spoon’s rounded side facing down. Keep moving the spoon up the aloe vera leaf towards where you cut it. The pressure will force the gel out.
Step 3: Take your gel and transfer it to a cup or bowl. Using the same spoon, keep stirring your aloe vera gel until the chunks become more uniform. Your spoon or even a fork can make the gel liquid-like if you have stubborn chunks.
Step 4: Dip your houseplant cuttings in your cup, making sure each has a good layer of the aloe vera gel.
Step 5: Plant your cuttings and see how they grow.
Honey:
Step 1: Start by boiling some water in a pot. You want to fill the pot with at least two cups.
Step 2: Let the water get to a full boil. Then,squeeze out a tablespoon of honey, enough to fill a large spoon.
Step 3: Stir a bit until the honey integrates with the water. Then take the pot with the water and honey off the heat. When it cools down a bit, transfer the mix to a canning jar or any other container with a tight cover.
Step 4: Make sure you’re using plant cuttings that you’ve trimmed at an angle of 45 degrees. The cuttings should also be at least six inches, up to 12 inches at most. Coat the bottoms with the water/honey liquid and then transfer them to your potting medium, including rockwool, water, or soil.
You may use the honey mixture for the next two weeks if you stash it in a container and keep it somewhere with no light.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Step 1: All you need to do is mix 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into 1 gallon of water and dip your cuttings in it then transfer them to the rooting medium.
Aspirin:
Step 1: Just add one tablet of crushed regular strength aspirin (325 mg) to warm water (1 gal.) and let the cuttings soak for several hours before potting them in the pre-made rooting medium.
Willow Tea (Willow Water):
Step 1: Willow trees are rich in auxin hormone, which helps spur new roots faster.
You can make this mixture any time. If you’re making willow tea in the spring, use only the stems from new growth.
Does rooting hormone really work?
Yes, it really does work like magic, some gardeners say.
Is honey a natural rooting hormone?
Yes, honey is a natural rooting hormone. Mix the right amounts in boiling water, set it to cool and you can begin using your DIY honey rooting hormone.
Can honey act as rooting hormone?
Yes, honey acts as a natural rooting hormone.
Conclusion
To conclude, rooting hormones are a neat little tool to have in your garden as it can really speed up the propagation process. This is because more roots equal to a healthier and strong plant that has a higher potential of thriving.
To summarize, there are three types of available rooting hormone types in the market. Gel, powder and liquid. All of these do the exact same job for promoting the development of roots in plants and allows the plant to stand a higher chance of growing really well.
When choosing which type of rooting hormone to get, well everyone has their preferences. Personally, I love the powdered rooting hormone because that’s what my grandparents used in their garden and they were the most passionate plant lovers i have known.
Additionally, in my own personal experience of using the powdered rooting hormone, it lasts really long, it works like magic on my plants when I choose to propagate them and it isn’t too expensive.
Moreover, I realized that powdered rooting hormones work really well for water propagation which is one of my favourite methods to propagate my plant babies. Just stick the cutting into the powder and you can also add a tiny pinch into the water in which you are propagating your plant cutting in.
Therefore, this is one of my favourite rooting hormone in water. It is simple and easy!
However, you may prefer the gel or liquid type of rooting hormone, As mentioned earlier it usually comes down to the personal preference of a gardener. Everyone has their own opinions even when it comes to growing plants.
Exploring what works best for you and your plants is a fun and exciting process and we wish you all the best in your propagation journey!
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