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.
How about the instructions in downloadable or print?
Hi Linda! I don’t have a downloadable version, but if you’re on a phone, you can tap the browser menu (usually three dots or lines in the corner) and select “Print” or “Share” to save or print the article. You can also choose “Save as PDF” if you want to keep it for later! Hope that helps! 🌿✨
Thank you!! I have rooted (1st time) some Hydrangea cuttings. I have them in the potting soil now. My question is do I keep the pot inside, or should it be kept outside? I was afraid the freezing cold would kill them!
Thank you
Joan
Hi Joan 😊 Great job rooting them. I’d keep the pot in a protected spot until spring, because newly rooted cuttings in pots can freeze solid. A cool bright place like an unheated garage, enclosed porch, or indoors by a bright window works well. Just keep the soil barely moist, not wet.
I use weeping willow crushed. thank you.
Hi Judith 😊 Weeping willow “water” is another great rooting method. It’s not magic, but it can give a little boost, especially on easier plants.
Have not try to use your method. But will try your method soon
Hi Michael 😊 That sounds perfect. If you try it, keep everything clean and don’t let the cutting stay soggy. Even if only 1 out of a few takes, that’s a win.
How about your way with Korean Pear tree?
I did try some diffirent ways to root the branch of my Korean Pear but all failed .
Hi 😊 Pears are honestly tough to root from cuttings, so don’t feel bad. The most reliable DIY method is air layering on a flexible branch in late spring to early summer. If you want to try cuttings again, go for softwood pieces in early summer, use rooting hormone, keep them humid, but expect a lower success rate!
you are very nice person. God bless you and your family for you are a very positive effect in the lives of many. thank you for being an inspiration.
Hi 😊 Thank you so much for the kind words. That really means a lot, and I’m happy the tips have helped you!
Hi Rita
How would you root a curly willow?
Also, what kind of a cutting?
Hi Hannah 🙂 Curly willow usually roots very easily from hardwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. I’d take a pencil-thick stem cutting with a few nodes, place the lower nodes in water or moist potting mix, and keep it in bright indirect light.
Do you have any suggestions on how to make Pothos cuttings Grow roots while they are still in water?
Hi Karri 🙂 For pothos, make sure each cutting has at least one node under the water, because that’s where the roots come from. Keep the water fresh, give it bright indirect light, and don’t submerge the leaves.
I love all your helpful hints
Hi 🙂 Thank you so much, I’m glad they’re helpful!
Can I root cuttings from my pyracantha?
Hi Paul 🙂 Yes, pyracantha can be rooted from cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer usually work best, and a light rooting mix with steady moisture gives you a better chance than water.
I have a old snowball bush that my grandfather started growing at there nursery in the early 1900 and the late 1948. My aunt gave it to me before she sold her house. She never was able to tell me how she rooted it. I try using water and then I tried putting a cutting in a pot. Neither one worked. Could you message me in let me know how to root it plus when I need to trim it back in spring or fall. Thank you so much and I do enjoy this group and the conversations.
Hi Linda 🙂 What a special plant to have in your family. For snowball bush, I’d try softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer, keep them humid, and use a light rooting mix instead of plain water. For trimming, prune after it flowers so you don’t remove next year’s blooms.
Good information to have on file. Trying to save on my phone. Not sure how to do this. Any help is appreciated! I am an older senior citizen with a blessing of growing most any plant and growing from cuttings. I find this information very interesting and time saving ❣️
Hi Tonya 🙂 Thank you so much, that’s such a kind note. On most phones, you can use the share button in your browser and choose “Add to Favorites,” “Bookmark,” or “Add to Home Screen” so you can find it again easily. I’m so glad the information is helpful for your cuttings and gardening.
I would like to take cuttings from a Laural hedge will this work.
Hi Jim 🙂 Yes, you can propagate laurel from cuttings. I’d take semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy current-season growth in late summer or early fall. Just keep in mind laurel can take a while, so I’d make several cuttings rather than relying on just one.
Please do not post your reply on FB I rarely open it, an only just “not by accident” saw your site today. Please reply by email to me.
I live in a tropic area, Panama. originally from NW USA my soil compacts hard, so I use rice hulls, washed sand and small rock for keeping the soil workable. I add crushed egg shells for calcium. I will try your rooting ideas, too I have some clippings right now in my HospRow where I keep plants needing an extra bit of love. Can you give me any suggestions for better results with rooting, transplanting, etc. in a tropical area? Many thanks. Sandee
Hi Sandee 🙂 This reply is here on the website, not Facebook. In Panama, warmth isn’t usually the problem, but keeping cuttings moist without letting them rot can be. Your rice hulls and washed sand can help with drainage. I’d root cuttings in bright shade, keep humidity high with some airflow, and use a light, airy medium that stays moist but never soggy. Once rooted, gradually expose them to more normal conditions before transplanting. I wouldn’t add eggshells specifically for rooting unless you know the soil actually needs calcium.
I will try this on my plants, can you root a soft touch holly this way? just planted mine and they look terrible
Hi Katie 🙂 Yes, Soft Touch holly can be propagated, but I’d use a healthy semi-hardwood stem cutting rather than a root cutting. Late summer is a good time. Take a 4-inch cutting, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a moist, well-draining rooting mix in bright shade with plenty of humidity. Since yours were just planted and already look stressed, I’d concentrate on keeping the original plants evenly watered and settled first.
I’d like to know if you can tell me how to propagate crepe myrtle I’ve tried new tender branches but the cuttings they won’t root in water or in potting soil