What can you substitute for root hormone?

Answer 1

Hi! I have been rooting things for many years. I have also asked this question. I found my answer. There are many things that I have heard of, but only a few that I use.

1. Powdered kelp and water

Gross right? Stick your cutting in DRY soil with good drainage. Make a mixture of kelp and warm water and water your cutting with that.

2. Honey

Boil 2 cups of water and add 1 tbsp honey to it. Let cool and put in airtight container. Store out of light, neither sun nor artificial. Dip cutting in mixture then pot.

3. Willow Tea

Take new growth off of a willow tree. Cut them into 1" segments and stick them in boiling water. Let cool overnight. Stick cutting in willow tea and wait till roots grow. Transplant rooted cutting to a small pot.

4. Aspirin and water

Stick one aspirin in 1 gallon of water and wait till dissolved. Either stick your cutting in it and let it sit or water cutting in dry soil with it.

5. Your Saliva

That's right. Just lick the end of your cutting and plant it, some old time gardeners say that.

6. Nothing

Just stick your cutting in soil and give it the proper care!

So that is what some people say, I'll tell you what I think. Powdered kelp and water has never worked for me. I don't know why, but it has worked for other people. Honey, works. Some people say to apply plain honey to the foot of your cutting, never worked for me. Willow tea, I've never tried. Some say it works others don't. You be the judge! Aspirin and water was recommended to me by a friend. She says it works great. Your saliva may work, not sure, I was to scared to lick the end of a rose bush cutting. :) Nothing, works great if you give it the proper care. Try all of these and figure out for yourself what works best!