So, let me guess, someone probably told you that root cuttings are the best way to propagate new plants.
You’ve got your hands on some root cuttings from a parent plant, but now you’re left wondering how to get them going. Well, worry not, I’m here to help you with that!
Gardeners have used root cuttings to propagate new plants for centuries because it works. As a matter of fact, the biggest advantage of propagating through root cuttings is that you can generate a pretty large number of new plants from a single parent plant! I mean…how cool is that?
Why Is It Better To Opt For Natural Solutions?
Now, you may be asking, “Why natural solutions when chemical rooting hormones exist?”
Truthfully, there’s nothing wrong with using store-bought rooting solutions, but the hassle of leaving the house for supplies can be a pain. Plus, some chemical solutions can be too harsh, potentially burning or damaging the roots in the process.
That’s why I suggest giving natural, homemade solutions a shot as they’re gentler and can work incredibly well if you know what you’re doing.
Homemade Solutions To Get Root Cuttings Going
4) Apple Cider Vinegar Dip
Mix 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a gallon of water and dip the cut end of the root in the solution before planting it in potting soil mix.
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent alternative to commercial rooting hormones as it contains acetic acid, which helps stimulate root growth very well.
This solution can be made easily at home as apple cider vinegar is something most of you will have in your pantries.
3) Comfrey Tea Spray
Most of you might know comfrey tea as a fertilizer used in the garden for flowering plants. However, it can also be used to encourage rooting in root cuttings as it contains good amounts of allantoin, which is a compound that promotes strong and healthy root development.
Simply brew some strong comfrey tea and transfer it to a spray bottle so that you can mist your root cuttings with it. Results might take some time but it’ll definitely be worth it.
2) Honey Dip
Although honey doesn’t contain any compounds that directly stimulate root growth, it does have antimicrobial properties that can help prevent disease and fungal infections in your root cuttings.
Although some old-school gardeners swear by honey as an effective rooting hormone alternative as well, there’s little scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness.
To use honey for root cuttings, dip the cut ends of your cuttings in a small amount of diluted honey water and go ahead with the rest of the planting process like you normally would.
1) Aloe Vera Dip
Yes, you read that right! Aloe vera is not only good for skin and hair but can even help encourage rooting in the garden. The gel contains effective growth hormones and a mix of natural compounds that promote healthy and vigorous root development.
To use aloe vera for this purpose, take a small piece of aloe vera, cut it in half, and scoop the clear gel out of it into a bowl. Then, take your root cuttings and dip the cut ends into the gel before planting them into your potting soil mix.
Conclusion
Believe it or not, rooting hormone usage is a pretty controversial topic in the world of gardening.
From what I’ve experienced, old-school gardeners despise the use of rooting hormones whereas modern-day folks encourage it to aid with the growth of cuttings.
In any case, it’s important to remember that rooting hormone solutions, whether store-bought or natural, are completely optional and not mandatory for root development.
