Are you tired of seeing your hard work go to waste as your propagated plants wither and die after transplantation? Do stunted growth, weak stems, and a lack of blooming sound all too familiar?
Say goodbye to the days when your hard work goes to waste. No more stunted growth, weak stems, or lack of blooms should be in your future. It's time to add a secret weapon to your propagating arsenal: rooting hormones.
This powerful solution can help to ensure that your plants have the best chance of thriving after transplantation.
Say goodbye to frustration and hello to healthy, happy plants.
Rooting hormones can help your cuttings grow roots faster, develop quickly, and become stronger. Add this step before putting your cuttings in the soil and you'll surely see the difference within weeks.
You can buy rooting hormone products in gardening stores or online, but there's really no need to.
Open up your pantry and you'll surely find a natural and effective alternative to use as a rooting hormone.
1. Honey
Honey is well known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties and is widely consumed for its health benefits.
It helps fight infections, promotes faster wound healing, is a cough suppressant, and protects from inflammation.
But did you know plants can benefit from it too?
When used as a rooting hormone, its enzymes can help stimulate root growth. And its antibacterial properties help protect the cuttings from root rot.
Here's how to use it:
- Put a small amount of honey on a plate
- Dip the plant cuttings in the honey
- Plant the part with honey directly in the soil
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A study by the University of Hawaii Master Gardener Program shows that honey was more effective as a rooting stimulant compared to store-bought synthetic rooting hormones.
But while honey is effective as a rooting hormone for most types of plants, there may be some plant species that will not react to it as effectively.
If this happens, you do need to factor in other reasons, including insect damage, weather conditions, and taking cuttings during spring instead of summertime.
And while we're on the subject of honey, you might want to see this: Unveiling The Giant: Meet The World’s Largest Honey Bee!
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Next on the list is apple cider vinegar (ACV). Any brand or type you find in your pantry, whether raw, unpasteurized or with the mother, can be a suitable rooting hormone.
Just like honey, apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help protect your plant.
Here's how to use it:
- Add one or two drops of ACV in half a cup of water, or half a teaspoon to 2 full cups of water
- Dip the cuttings in the mixture for a few seconds
- Plant directly in the soil
@biosnutrients Propagate your plants like a pro with Apple Cider Vinegar 🪴🍎 #planttips #planttok #plantlover #plantaddict ♬ original sound - Bios Fertilizer
Since apple cider vinegar is an acid, it is important not to put too much of it in the mixture, otherwise, it could dry up the cuttings.
By following the recommended ratio of water to vinegar, or making slight adjustments to suit your specific plant, you can ensure that your cuttings have the perfect balance of nourishment and protection to thrive.
You may need to do some experimenting on several cuttings to get the right mix.
3. Cinnamon
You may find another use for cinnamon powder aside from baking rolls.
Studies show that it is a very effective rooting hormone for most plant species. It works best when the cuttings are planted in peat moss soil.
It also has antibacterial properties that help protect the plant from diseases. You can also sprinkle it on top of the soil to help prevent molds.
Here's how to use it:
- Spread cinnamon powder on a plate
- Dip one end of the cutting in cinnamon power
- Plant directly in the soil
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The Most Unusual Root-Boosting Substitute...You Ready?
This last one is not really a pantry staple. However, it's quite an unusual information I encountered; I had to dig up some research to find out if it's true.
Saliva
Yes, you read that right. I'm not just adding this for some gross-out factor.
There really are websites and gardening experts claiming that saliva has root-boosting effects!
Saliva is said to contain enzymes beneficial to plants. Mixing saliva with distilled water turns it into a rooting solution.
Another way is to lick the end of a cutting and put it in water or plant it directly in soil.
The closest study I found was this Researchgate publication that states the positive effect on plant growth of the saliva of animal herbivores.
So there you have it. You can try these natural rooting hormones for yourself and see which ones will work on your plant.
And yes, you can even try the cringe-worthy suggestion!
With a little care and attention, your cuttings will be well on their way to becoming healthy, thriving plants.
If you want to learn more about how to apply rooting hormones, you'll find some helpful information in this article: Can You Put Rooting Hormone In Water?
Let me know if you try any of these and what results you see!