When it comes to propagating plants through cuttings, using a rooting hormone can significantly boost the chances of successful root development. However, what if you’re out of store-bought products or unable to get to the garden store? Fortunately, there’s a natural alternative that requires minimal effort and likely uses items you already have at home. This DIY approach not only saves you money but also reduces your reliance on commercial products.
By leveraging everyday materials, you can create a homemade rooting hormone that’s just as effective.
What Are Rooting Hormones?
Auxins, naturally occurring hormones within plants, are comprised of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) or indole-3-buturic acid (IBA). In contrast, synthetic rooting hormones such as alpha-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) mimic the effects of auxins to induce root formation. These artificial compounds stimulate roots to emerge in a manner analogous to natural auxin activity within plant cells.
While many plants naturally form roots due to their inherent auxin content, rooting hormones can enhance root quantity and strength, as well as expedite the process. Woody cuttings tend to be more challenging to root compared to softwood or herbaceous cuttings, which have a higher likelihood of rooting with or without hormone application.
When seeking alternatives to synthetic rooting hormones, one may opt for natural solutions.
These can include IAA or IBA, which are often derived from plants or their byproducts. In the absence of these artificial compounds or when desiring cost-effective options, natural rooting hormone alternatives become viable choices. Irrespective of the solution employed, a crucial step involves creating a small hole in the soil using a pencil or chopsticks before applying the rooting solution and inserting the plant cutting.
Apple Cider Vinegar
When it comes to promoting healthy root growth, apple cider vinegar is a natural solution that’s gained popularity in recent years. Its active compound, naphthalene acetic acid, has been scientifically proven to stimulate rooting in various plant species. To harness this power, simply mix 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 gallon of water to create a rooting hormone solution.
Then, dip your cuttings into the liquid and plant them immediately to give them the best chance of developing robust roots.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has garnered attention for its potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, particularly when it comes to its essential oil. Studies have consistently shown that this oil exhibits significant antimicrobial effects, capable of killing bacteria and fungus alike. While not a traditional rooting hormone, cinnamon plays a crucial role in promoting healthy root development by eliminating bacterial and fungal contaminants that might impede the process.
This property makes it an effective alternative or supplement to other rooting hormone options.
To harness its benefits, simply dip the tip of your cutting into a solution comprising one part cinnamon essential oil mixed with 10 parts water. For those looking to try using cinnamon powder, sprinkle a small amount over the cut end and plant it in soil or a suitable medium. Alternatively, you can prepare the planting hole in advance by sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon within it.
Honey
While honey isn’t a traditional rooting hormone, it can be an effective alternative or addition for several reasons. A study conducted at the University of Hawaii discovered that cuttings from certain plants treated with honey prior to planting had improved root establishment. Furthermore, another investigation found that unpasteurized honey was particularly effective in promoting healthy root growth.
Honey’s antibacterial and antifungal properties also play a crucial role in safeguarding developing roots from potential pathogens. To utilize this method, simply mix one part of unpasteurized honey with four parts of water to create a coating solution, then plant the cutting as usual.
Aloe Vera
With an aloe vera plant readily available indoors or out, you may already have a reliable source of this versatile plant at your fingertips. Moreover, it’s an affordable option to purchase and many people keep it stocked in their medicine cabinet for future use. Aloe vera has been found to be an effective alternative rooting hormone due to its rich composition of glucomannans, amino acids, sterols, and vitamins.
Research has consistently shown that these compounds can significantly enhance root development in various plant species when growing cuttings or propagating via air layering. In fact, a particular study demonstrated a notable improvement in grapevine cutting success rates. To utilize the gel as a rooting hormone alternative, simply dip the cutting end for two seconds before planting it as you normally would.
Coconut Water
Coconuts, technically the world’s largest seeds, have evolved unique strategies to survive and thrive in harsh environments. One key adaptation is the presence of auxins, which help them germinate in challenging conditions. This clever system allows coconuts to float across oceans or withstand scorching sand, protected by a tough outer shell. They also contain their own source of nutrients, stored within the meat.
By harnessing this innate ingenuity, we can utilize coconut water as a natural rooting hormone. Research has shown that coconut water is just as effective as synthetic alternatives in promoting root development. In one study, coconut water demonstrated comparable results to commercial products, while another found a slight improvement in the notoriously difficult-to-root Dracaena cuttings.
However, it’s essential to use fresh, high-quality coconut milk for optimal results – canned or bottled varieties may not produce the same benefits.
Vermicompost Tea
The remarkable properties of worm poop extend beyond its numerous benefits, which are thoroughly explored in our comprehensive guide. One notable aspect is the presence of auxin-producing rhizobacteria, a feature that has been scientifically validated. In fact, research has shown that vermicompost tea can have a profound impact on root development.
To harness this power, simply soak one gallon of vermicompost in four gallons of water for 48 hours, then strain the mixture and use the resulting liquid as a natural alternative to commercial rooting hormones when propagating cuttings.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide may not be a traditional rooting hormone, but it plays a crucial role in promoting healthy root development. Its disinfectant properties make it an effective alternative or supplement to traditional rooting hormones. In fact, research has shown that dipping olive tree cuttings in hydrogen peroxide can significantly boost rooting rates – a notable finding given the notoriously challenging process of propagating olive trees through cuttings.
Myth Busting
When scouring the web for alternatives to traditional rooting hormones, it’s easy to come across a multitude of unverified claims and suggestions from fellow gardeners. However, not all of these proposed substitutes are grounded in scientific fact. In fact, some may even be misinformed or simply ineffective. To cut through the noise, let’s examine a few popular alternatives that don’t appear to hold up under scrutiny.
Aspirin
While the idea of using aspirin as a rooting hormone may seem appealing, research suggests it’s not a reliable or effective method. In fact, some studies have shown that aspirin can even have a negative impact on plant growth. Instead, consider exploring other tried-and-true methods for promoting healthy root development in your plants. Your time and efforts will be better spent elsewhere.
Willow Tea
Willow tea has been a long-standing remedy due to its analgesic properties, which are attributed to salicylic acid – a compound also found in aspirin. Additionally, willow trees are rich in auxin hormones like IBA and IAA, which play a crucial role in root development. However, the scientific community remains divided on whether willow tea is effective in promoting rooting.
One major limitation is that these hormones aren’t very soluble in water, making it challenging to create an effective solution using willow bark. In fact, studies have yielded mixed results. For instance, one investigation involving cannabis found no significant benefits, while another study on apple cuttings showed a minor increase in rooting.
Olive cuttings, on the other hand, demonstrated comparable or slightly enhanced rooting, depending on the part of the willow plant used to create the soak. While willow tea may have some marginal impact on rooting, it’s clear that commercial rooting powders and alternative hormone products are more effective. If you’re still interested in exploring this method, make sure to use the bark and allow it to steep in water for at least 72 hours.
Saliva
Despite the widespread use of saliva as a rooting hormone alternative, scientific research has yielded inconclusive results. A 1948 study examined the effectiveness of saliva compared to blood, finding no significant improvement in plant rooting. Another investigation explored the impact of animal saliva on plant re-growth, with mixed results.
While these findings are promising, they also underscore the need for further research to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of using saliva as a rooting hormone substitute.
How to Use Rooting Hormone Alternatives
When propagating plants through cuttings, it’s crucial to start with fresh and clean materials. Begin by cutting below a leaf joint where natural plant hormones (auxins) are already present. Next, remove any lower leaves from the plant to prevent moisture loss and potential rot. To ensure optimal rooting conditions, prepare your rooting hormone alternative in a sterile container before application. For added humidity and moisture retention, cover the growing pot with a cloche or plastic bag.
This simple step will help maintain a consistent environment for successful propagation. Some additional tips to keep in mind include: taking cuttings in the morning when they’re at their most hydrated; trimming large leaves to reduce transpiration and prevent dehydration; and using heat sources (if necessary) to enhance growth and development.
Pros vs Cons of Synthetic Rooting Hormones
While synthetic rooting hormones offer a significant advantage in terms of reduced growing time and increased root health, their potential drawbacks cannot be ignored. Not only can they pose a risk to humans or pets if inhaled or ingested, but they also come at a cost and may not align with the principles of organic gardening. Furthermore, the manufacturing process for synthetic products can have a detrimental impact on the environment.
In contrast, natural alternatives to rooting hormones are safe, affordable, and align with an organic approach. However, it’s important to acknowledge that there is limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. While we know that synthetic hormones work well, more research is needed to prove that natural alternatives are equally effective.
Ultimately, as with any gardening decision, the key is to rely on personal experience and experiment with different methods to find what works best for you.
