Header — mygardening.blog

Rooting Hormone

Quick definition

A plant growth regulator (auxin or synthetic analogs) applied to cuttings to stimulate root initiation and improve propagation success rates.

In plain terms

Rooting hormone (usually a powder you dip cuttings into) contains plant hormones that trigger root development in cuttings. It speeds rooting and increases success rates. It's optional but helpful, especially for difficult-to-root plants. Hormone concentrations vary; follow label rates.

Why this matters

Rooting hormone improves propagation success, especially for woody plants and difficult-to-root species. It makes propagation easier and faster.

In practice

Examples

  • Basil cutting without rooting hormone; roots in 1-2 weeks in water; success rate ~80%.
  • Same basil cutting with rooting hormone powder; roots in 5-7 days; success rate ~95%.
  • Woody shrub cutting without hormone; very slow rooting, low success; with hormone, reliable rooting.
  • Difficult-to-root plant (like magnolia); hormone dramatically improves success compared to no hormone.

Practical applications

  • Dip cutting in rooting hormone powder; excess powder falls off.
  • Use on fresh cuttings; dried-out cuttings won't root.
  • Follow label instructions; more hormone doesn't improve results.
  • Use on difficult-to-root plants; optional on easy-rooters like basil.
  • Store powder in cool, dry place; hormone potency decreases over time.

Connected terms

Learn these first