9 DIY Rooting Hormone Ideas
Rooting hormones are essential for successful plant propagation from cuttings. They stimulate root growth and increase the success rate of the cuttings. While commercial rooting hormones are readily available, there are also natural, homemade alternatives that can be just as effective. These DIY rooting hormone ideas are not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly and easy to make. In this article, we will explore nine different homemade rooting hormone ideas that you can use to propagate your plants successfully.
1. Aspirin Rooting Hormone
Aspirin is not only a common pain reliever but also an easy and cheap homemade rooting hormone. It is an excellent plant growth enhancer with many other uses in the garden. To make an aspirin rooting hormone, simply dissolve one or two aspirin tablets in a small amount of water and let the cuttings soak in the solution for a few hours before planting. The salicylic acid in the aspirin will stimulate root growth and help the cuttings establish themselves more quickly. Aspirin can also be used as a foliar spray to help plants recover from stress and prevent disease.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another natural rooting hormone that is easy to make at home. Simply mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water to create an organic rooting hormone. Apple cider vinegar has many uses for plants, including:
- Balancing soil pH
- Providing nutrients
- Preventing fungal growth
- Repelling pests
To use apple cider vinegar as a rooting hormone, dip the end of the cutting in the solution for a few seconds before planting. You can also water the soil around the cutting with the solution to give it an extra boost.
3. Honey Rooting Hormone
Honey is not only a delicious sweetener but also an excellent plant growth stimulator and homemade rooting hormone. Honey has many amazing uses in the garden, including:
- Providing nutrients
- Promoting root growth
- Preventing bacterial and fungal growth
- Attracting beneficial insects
To make a honey rooting hormone, mix one part honey with two parts warm water until the honey is fully dissolved. Dip the end of the cutting in the solution for a few seconds before planting. The sugars in the honey will provide energy for the cutting while it develops roots, and the antibacterial properties of the honey will help prevent infection.
4. Willow Water
Willow water is an excellent organic rooting hormone that is easy to make at home. Willow trees contain salicylic acid and indolebutyric acid, which are natural plant growth hormones that stimulate root growth. To make willow water, simply collect a few young willow branches and cut them into small pieces. Soak the pieces in water for 24-48 hours, then strain out the branches and use the water to soak your cuttings before planting. Willow water not only helps plants grow roots faster but also increases their overall productivity.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Young willow branches | A handful |
| Water | 1 liter |
5. DIY Rooting Hormone
If you prefer a more scientific approach, you can make your own homemade rooting hormone using just a few chemicals. This DIY rooting gel is preservative-free and perfect for plant cuttings. To make the gel, you will need:
- 1/2 teaspoon potassium salt of IBA (indolebutyric acid)
- 1/2 teaspoon NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid)
- 1/4 teaspoon thiamine (vitamin B1)
- 1/4 teaspoon inositol (vitamin B8)
- 1/4 teaspoon nicotinic acid (vitamin B3)
- 1/4 teaspoon calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5)
- 1/4 teaspoon pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
- 1/4 teaspoon folic acid (vitamin B9)
- 1/4 teaspoon biotin (vitamin B7)
- 1/4 teaspoon ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
- 1/4 teaspoon citric acid
- 1/4 teaspoon potassium sorbate
- 1/4 teaspoon sodium benzoate
- 1/4 teaspoon agar powder
- 1 cup distilled water
Mix all the ingredients together in a saucepan and heat until the agar powder is fully dissolved. Pour the mixture into a clean jar and let it cool until it forms a gel. To use, dip the end of the cutting in the gel before planting.
6. Homemade Rooting Hormone (Video)
If you prefer a visual guide, there is a video tutorial on making a purely organic rooting hormone at home with just a few supplies. The video demonstrates how to make a rooting hormone using:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup warm water
Simply mix all the ingredients together until fully dissolved, then dip your cuttings in the solution before planting. The video also provides tips on how to take cuttings and care for them while they develop roots.
7. Potatoes & Cinnamon
Another unusual but effective homemade rooting hormone idea is to use potatoes and cinnamon. To propagate a rose cutting, simply cut a potato in half and make a hole in the center. Dip the end of the cutting in cinnamon powder, then insert it into the hole in the potato. Bury the potato in potting soil, making sure the cutting is fully covered. The potato will provide moisture and nutrients to the cutting while it develops roots, and the cinnamon will help prevent fungal growth.
8. Aloe As Rooting Hormone
Aloe vera is not only great for soothing sunburns but also works wonders for fresh plant cuttings. The gel inside the aloe leaves contains vitamins, minerals, and hormones that stimulate root growth and prevent infection. To use aloe as a rooting hormone, simply cut open a fresh aloe leaf and apply the gel to the end of the cutting. You can also blend the gel with a little water to make a dipping solution for your cuttings.
9. Cinnamon Powder
Cinnamon powder is another natural rooting hormone that is easy to use and readily available in most kitchens. Cinnamon contains compounds that stimulate root growth and prevent fungal infections. To use cinnamon as a rooting hormone, simply dip the end of the cutting in water, then roll it in cinnamon powder before planting. You can also mix cinnamon powder with a little water to make a paste and apply it to the end of the cutting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many natural, homemade alternatives to commercial rooting hormones that can be just as effective for propagating plants from cuttings. These DIY rooting hormone ideas are not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly and easy to make. Whether you prefer to use aspirin, apple cider vinegar, honey, willow water, or any of the other methods mentioned in this article, you can successfully propagate your plants at home with just a few simple ingredients. So why not give these homemade rooting hormones a try and see how well they work for your plants?
