Rooting hormone helps stimulate
rooting in a variety of plant cuttings.
These preparations contain synthetic
hormones similar to those that occur
naturally in plants. Most rooting
hormones also contain a fungicide
to help prevent stem rot. Rooting
hormones come in a liquid and
powered form, ether one will help
with root development. Powders generally come in three
different strengths labeled #1, #2 and #3. #1 is used for softwood cuttings like impatiens, coleus
and geraniums. #2 is used for semi-hardwood cuttings like hibiscus,
fuchsia and lantana. #3 is the strongest of the three and is used on hardwood
cuttings like dogwood and viburnum.
When using a powdered hormone tip a little powder onto
some wax paper and use what you need from there. This
way you avoid contaminating the whole jar. When using a
powder do not have it caked on the cutting. Knock off any excess powder before inserting the cutting in the soil. Liquid hormone like Hormex can be used to stimulate rooting.
Simply insert the cutting into full strength Hormex and leave
it there for about one minute before inserting it into planting soil. Most hormones last about a year if placed in a cool place. If your container is old it’s best to purchase fresh product before taking cuttings. When purchasing a new container of hormone write the date of purchase on the package.
Hormex
Hormex is a liquid concentrate of
vitamins and hormones that help
stimulate plant growth. Hormex helps
prevent transplant shock, use a drench
on the newly transplanted plant. Just
add 10 drops of Hormex in a gallon of
water and soak the soil. If you are
working with bare root plants add 2 tablespoons of Hormex to a gallon of water and soak the root for 15 minutes. Hormex is very beneficial to indoor plants. Add a teaspoon of Hormex to a gallon of water and use this solution each time the plant needs watering. Add a ½ teaspoon of Hormex to a quart of water and use for cut flowers.
Homemade Rooting Hormone
Supplies:
Stems of a weeping willow or pussy willow.
Mason jar
Water
The stems of willow can be up to the diameter of a pencil. The stem length is determined by the height of your jar. Place a bundle of stems in a large jar. Put in as many stems as will fit into the jar. Fill the jar with warm water and cover. Set in a cool, dry place for 24 to 48 hours, and then remove the willow stems. The water that remains can be used to water the soil of cuttings or it can be used as a tonic for plants suffering from a case of root rot. Do not over water a sick plant, use willow water when the plant needs water.
Tips
When starting new plants use clean containers and fresh Bachman’s Mighty Earth potting soil.
Use a sharp pencil to make a hole in
the potting soil, then stick the cutting
in the hole. This will keep the rooting
powder in contact with the plant stem.
Lightly press the soil around the
cutting.
Cover the pot and cutting with a clear
plastic bag to maintain moisture. Remove bag when the
cutting has rooted.
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