The Best Rooting Hormones Reviewed
The best rooting hormone
If you're looking to propagate plants, then you'll need to use a rooting hormone. There are many different types of rooting hormones on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. In this blog post, we will review the best rooting hormones available and give you tips on how to use them!
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What Is Rooting Hormone?
Rooting hormone is a substance that helps to encourage root growth in plants. It is often used in plant propagation, as it can help to increase the success rate of cuttings.
The stem and node of the plant can be pre-treated with artificial rooting hormone before being planted in the growing medium to give it an added boost and increase the likelihood of successful growth.
The goal is to create an identical copy or clone of the parent plant.
There are many different types of rooting hormone available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best rooting hormone for you will depend on the plant species you are propagating, as well as your own personal preferences.
When To Use Rooting Hormones?
Rooting hormone is typically used when propagating plants from a leaf cutting. It can also be used to help revive sick or dying plants.
If you are having difficulty getting your cuttings to root, then using a rooting hormone product may be the solution you need.
Plants that don't root as easily like Dahlia Hibiscus Lobelia Osteospermum Fuchsias, salvias, and snapdragons are plants that should be propagated with rooting hormone.
Rooting hormone will only increase the likelihood of success, it will not guarantee it. There are many factors that can affect the success of propagating plants from cuttings, such as the type of plant, the time of year, and the growing conditions.
Types of Rooting Hormones
There are three main types of rooting hormones: powder, gel, and liquid. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Powder Rooting Hormone
Powder rooting hormone is the most common type of rooting hormone on the market that a lot of gardeners use. It is easy to use, shelf-stable and lasts a long time.
Water is commonly used to dampen the cutting before applying the hormone powder to ensure that the root hormone stays in place when you are ready to propagate your cutting. Then, to avoid contamination, pour some hormone powder into a separate dish or plate. Finally, coat your wet cuttings with the rooting powder and shake off any excess rooting hormone.
Gel Rooting Hormone
Gel rooting hormone is becoming a more popular rooting medium as it is easy to use and can be less messy than powder. It is also easy to control the amount of gel you use, which can be helpful if you are new to using rooting hormone.
To use gel rooting hormone, simply dip your cutting into the gel and then insert it into the growing medium. Be sure to wipe off any excess gel before planting, as this can encourage fungal growth. Just remember never to dip your cutting directly into the gel container, as this can contaminate the whole batch.
If you are looking for the easiest option, then gel rooting hormone is the best choice for you.
It is important to note that rooting gel should be stored in the fridge to maintain its potency.
Liquid Rooting Hormone
Liquid rooting hormone is very common. It is sold in either ready-to-use bottles or in concentrations. The concentrations need to be diluted before you can apply them to your cuttings.
It is best to use a liquid rooting hormone on plants that are delicate and difficult to root since it may leak into tiny pores in the cutting.
To use liquid rooting hormone, simply dip your cutting into the solution and then plant it as usual. Always remember to put the liquid rooting hormone in a separate container as you don't want to contaminate other cuttings in the future.
Some gardeners find liquid rooting hormone to easily spill and make a mess.
The Best Rooting Hormones To Buy
Choosing the best rooting hormone depends on your personal preferences and budget. All of the rooting powders and liquids we've reviewed are high-quality and will get the job done. Here are my top choices for each type of rooting hormone.
Best Powdered Rooting Hormone
If you want to experiment with a powdered rooting hormone look no further than Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone. It's very easy to use, simply dip your cutting in water and then coat it with the powder.
Garden Safe Brand TakeRoot Rooting Hormone, Indole-3-Butyric Acid, is an active component that promotes root development on a wide range of home, garden, and greenhouse plants. This component is like indole-3-acetic acid, the natural rooting hormone found in plants.
The even better part is it is super affordable! The best rooting hormone powder doesn't have to be expensive to produce great results.
Best Gel Rooting Hormone
HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel is my top pick for best gel rooting hormone. It's easy to use, simply dip your cutting in the gel and then plant as usual.
Made in USA, the Clonex Rooting Gel is a complete spectrum of mineral nutrients and trace elements that is intended to nurture young roots during their early development. It also helps to promote root cell development and contains nutrients that protect delicate new tissue. All types of cuttings, including woody or herbaceous plants, flowering ornamental plants, vegetables, fruit trees, and small fruits can be grown in this rooting mix.
It is also completely alcohol-free. As far as price goes, it is very reasonably priced and will last you a while. If you plan on doing a lot of propagating consider getting a 2-pack it will be cheaper.
Best Liquid Rooting Hormone
These days, there are many options available to us when it comes down to the choice of what kind of rooting hormone to use. One option is a liquid rooting hormone concentrate like Hormex Vitamin B₁ Rooting Hormone Concentrate that has been proven effective in promoting healthy roots for plants grown both indoors and outdoors alike! This product not only helps prevent transplant shock but also accelerates plant growth by improving nutrient uptake with the added ingredient of Vitamin B - which means you can have happier plants.
It's formulated for all plant varieties and grow mediums, so it'll work well with hydroponic systems as well! You can use this product to maintain your plants year-round or just when they need extra care.
It's very easy to use, simply mix it with water and then dip your plant cutting in the solution. It comes in a large container that can make up to 48 gallons so it will last you a while. I love that you can use this liquid rooting hormone to soak the soil around the new cutting for more of an impact! When you are done with your liquid rooting hormone it does need to be stored in the fridge for best results.
If you are looking for a good liquid rooting hormone concentrate, I highly recommend Hormex Vitamin B₁ Rooting Hormone Concentrate!
How To Use Rooting Hormone
Now that you know what the best rooting hormone is for your needs, it's time to learn how to use it properly!
Collect Your Stem Cutting
Using a sterilized shear or scissors cut a stem about four to six inches long from the parent plant at a 45-degree angle. Try to choose a healthy part of the plant that hasn't flowered yet. Remove the leaves at the bottom of the stem leaving only a couple on the cutting.
Prepare Your Rooting Hormone
Depending on the type of rooting hormone you get, you'll need to prepare your rooting hormone correctly. You will want to make should your rooting hormone is in a separate container to avoid cross-contamination.
Dip Your Cutting Into Rooting Hormone
If you are using a powder, dip the cutting in water and then coat it with the powder. For best results, tap off any excess powder before planting.
If you are using a gel or liquid, simply dip your cutting in the solution and then plant as usual. If it is a concentrate make sure to dilute it first.
Plant Your Cuttings
Now it is time to plant your cutting. Make a hole about 2 inches deep in the growing medium with a pencil and insert the treated end of the cutting.
To keep moisture in while the cutting grows, surround it with a growing medium and then cover the entire pot or tray with plastic.
Place your cutting in a place where it will get bright indirect light to help it take root.
Wait For Your Cuttings To Root
Give your cuttings the moisture they need to become healthy and strong! While you're waiting for their roots, make sure there is plenty of humidity around by keeping an eye on things daily with either a dome or misting system.
When your cutting has rooted, you'll feel resistance when tugging it gently. You then can care for your new plant as you normally would.
FAQs About Rooting Hormones
How do rooting hormones work?
A rooting hormone encourages stem roots to grow out from the cut end of a stem.
Pin for later!
Do I need to use a rooting hormone?
It's not required that you use a rooting hormone but it can help your cutting to take root faster and with more success.
What is the active ingredient in rooting hormone?
Most of the rooting hormone treatments on the market today include one of two standard chemicals, Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), both of which are manufactured versions of natural plant hormones that have been shown to promote root development.
Do rooting hormones really work?
Yes, rooting hormones do work and can be a great way to help your plants take root. However, it is important to note that they are not a cure-all and will not work in every situation. Make sure to do your research and choose the best rooting hormone for your needs.
How long will my rooting hormone take to work?
This will depend on the type of plant you are trying to grow. In general, most rooting hormones will take anywhere from two to six weeks to take effect.
Do rooting hormone solutions work for hydroponic plants?
Yes, rooting hormone solutions can be used for hydroponic plants and general hydroponics. However, you will need to make sure that you choose a water-soluble rooting hormone for the best results.
What else can I use instead of a rooting hormone?
There are a few things you could try if you don't want to use a rooting hormone. One option is to use willow water, which is made by boiling willow branches in water. Another option is to use honey or aloe vera gel, both of which have been stated to promote root growth. Although I have never tried any of these methods.
What is the best rooting hormone; powder, gel, or liquid?
This is a difficult question to answer as it will depend on your specific needs and what you are comfortable using. All of them should work but in general, powders are best for larger cuttings, gels are best for small or delicate cuttings, and liquids are best for all-purpose use. The easiest to use is the gel rooting hormone.
Summing Up The Best Rooting Hormones
Now that you know everything there is to know about rooting hormones, it's time to choose the best one for your needs.
Be sure to do your research and choose a rooting hormone that is best suited for the plant you are trying to propagate. With the right root hormone, you'll be on your way to success in no time!
Have you ever used a rooting hormone before? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below!
