The use of rooting hormone has always been a popular way of assisting a plant’s propagation process. Not only it is reliable, but it is also affordable, making it an excellent tool for hobbyists and business owners alike.
Coming in different forms, rooting hormones can be used in three types of plant cuttings: stem, leaf, and root. The stem is the most common used as it is easy to obtain, and at the same time, it has a higher chance of thriving.
If you are a first-time user of rooting hormones, it’s best that you know all the important points to remember before you start. In this article, we’re going to cover the steps in applying rooting hormones.
Step 1: Get the materials ready.
Make sure everything is ready before you begin. Prepare the plant—from which you will get the cutting—, clean shears, soilless potting mix, pencil, or stick that’s thicker than your plant (this is for making a hole into the potting mix), rooting hormone, and container into which you’ll put it.
Step 2: Getting the right cut
If you’re going to go for the stem cutting, it’s best to cut it a few inches from the top of the stem, and just right above a node. Remember only to get cuttings from a healthy parent plant and remove all leaves and flowers. If you’re using a root powder, moisten the bottom with water to get it ready for rooting hormone application.
Step 3: Applying the rooting hormone
Get enough rooting hormone and place it in a container. Remember that any excess should be thrown away. This is to avoid contamination and spreading of diseases if ever there are any. If you’re using liquid rooting hormone, put it in a container where you can comfortably soak your stem. For root powders, all you need to do is dip the bottom part of the cutting. Therefore, a small flat container will do.
Timing is critical when it comes to using a liquid rooting hormone. Soak your cutting too long, and it will cause damage, preventing it from rooting correctly. Get it from the solution too early, and you won’t see any positive effects. Root hormone powder is recommended for beginners because it’s much easier to use.
Step 4: Planting
Make a hole into your potting mix by sticking a pencil or stick into it. Make sure that the hole is wider than your stem cutting so that you won’t brush off the powder in the process. Close the gap and add moisture by watering it. Don’t put your plant cutting under direct sunlight, but make sure it will stay in a warm area.
If everything goes well, you should be expecting a new plant on the way. Before we go, let’s recap the most important reminders: use clean shears or knife when getting your plant cutting, throw away excess rooting hormone, and learn how to time correctly when using liquid rooting hormone. If you want a safer choice, go for the root hormone powder.
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