Root Regrow Hormone for Plants

Rooting hormone guarantees success with starting plants from cuttings.

Starting plants from cuttings using root regrowth hormone is simple, reliable and economical. To a beginning gardener, it may seem intimidating, but there is no need to shy away from working with hormones to start plants.

Basic Science

Plants produce their own hormones to stimulate growth; the rooting hormones on the market duplicate the plants' hormone structure. Rooting hormones come in liquid form or powder form, either of which stimulates growth effectively.

Use for Plant Propagation of Cuttings

Pruned bits of plants can be used to start new plants, provided that the cuttings include multiple growth nodes (places where leaves or stems emerge from the main stem). These nodes are where the new roots will start, once the nodes are treated with hormone and planted below the soil line.

Use for Propagation of Slips

Spring shoots, or slips, grow faster than most cuttings, but they require additional protection to start. Once the slip is treated and planted, keep the pot covered with a plastic bag supported about an inch above the plant until the roots have grown in.

Use for Hybrid Perennials

Rooting hormone makes it possible to propagate hybrid perennials that exactly match their parent plant. It can also be used to start new annuals for the following growing season, saving money at the local garden center.

Inappropriate Uses

Seeds are akin to an all-inclusive plant resort for the seedlings' first few weeks. They contain the exact amount of hormones needed. Additional hormones are only needed for starting plants from cuttings.

References

• Fine Gardening Magazine: Save Money and Grow More Plants with Tip Cuttings
• "Time Life Encyclopedia of Gardens: Annuals;" James Underwood Crockett; 1971