What is Rooting Hormone and How To Use Rooting Hormone

Rooting hormone is a product or substance that is available in the form of powder, liquid or gel and used to promote root growth in cuttings. Plant propagation through cuttings is a widely used technique in horticulture and gardening where a part of a parent plant is removed and encouraged to grow roots and develop into a new, independent plant. Stems, leaves, or roots from the parent plant are chosen as cuttings and treated with rooting hormone to stimulate root growth.

Plants through cuttings establish more quickly than plants grown from seeds because they already have a head start with established root systems. This lead to faster growth and earlier flowering or fruiting compared to seed-grown plants

Rooting Hormone Types

There are two types of rooting hormone, chemical rooting hormone and Natural rooting hormone. Each type has its merits and de-merits. Lets have a look at each one.

Chemical Rooting Hormone

Synthetic or chemical rooting hormone is a product that is available in liquid, powder, or gel form and contains synthetic auxins, such as Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), or other growth-promoting substances.

Benefits: When you apply cheical rooting hormone, you will see the faster growth. Rooting hormones can be used on a wide variety of plant species, from herbaceous annuals to woody perennials. This versatility makes them a popular choice for both beginner gardeners and professional horticulturists.

Cons: They are chemicals. If handled carelessly, they can cause damage on skin or eyes and breathing issues.

Where to Buy Rooting Hormone? You can buy from Amazon Store and Take Root Hormone is popular one. Check here: Root Hormone.

Natural Rooting Hormone

Natural rooting hormones are also available in the stores and are free of artificial ingredients. They contain auxin also known as  indole-3-acetic acid (IAA.). Auxins like IAA are responsible for promoting cell elongation, cell division, and differentiation in the root system.

Here are some of the best natural sources that can be used as rooting hormones:

1. Willow Water
2. Aloe Vera Gel
3. Honey
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
5. Cinnamon
6. Potato Starch
7. Aspirin

Benefits: Natural rooting hormones are derived from plant sources or pure organic materials, so they are non-toxic and cost effective.

Cons: It seems difficult to be prepared by the beginners.

How To Use Rooting Hormone

Rooting hormones can be applied to the stem cuttings, leaf cuttings and root cuttings. Before application, choose the format (poweder, gel or liquid). I do prefer and recommend powder and gel format because they are easy to handle.

Root Cuttings

This one is the most easy and simple to do. Just take a healthy root and cut a section 2- 3 inches with a sterile knife. Dip cut end in powder or liquid rooting hormone. Bury it an inch deep in well prepared moist potting mix.

Stem Cuttings

Choose a healthy parent plant. Choose a stem that is healthy and without any flowers or buds. Cut a 4-6 inch section of the stem right below a node (where leaves emerge). Make the cut at a 45-degree angle to increase the surface area for rooting. Remove the lower leaves from the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder or gel or liquid. Insert the cutting into a pot filled with moist potting mix. Gently firm the soil around the stem to hold it upright.

Leaf Cuttings

It is advisable to search and study whether your plants can be propagated through leaf cuttings. Some flowering plants like Geranium, Begonia, Jade plant, african violets, Coleus, Bouganvillea and ivy can be propagated though leaves.

Take a mature healthy leaf and cut it off from the base with sharp pruner or knife. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in potting mix. Keep it moist until new growth appears.

Remember: Whether you’re dealing with stem, leaf, or root cuttings, apply a thin layer. The goal is a light coating, not an excessive drenching.

Does Jasmine Plant Propagate through Leaves?

Yes, jasmine can be propagated through leaves.