These can be bought in the store, but if you want to stay away from chemicals or simply save some money, there are plenty of organic ways of making your own rooting hormone at home, often from materials you probably already have.
Natural Rooting Methods
One of the main ingredients in synthetic rooting hormones is Indole-3-butyric acid, a material that stimulates root growth, protects it from disease, and is found naturally in willow trees. You can make your own willow water for rooting cuttings easily.
Cut a few new shoots from a willow and slice them into 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces. Steep the willow pieces in water for a few days to create a willow tea. Dip your cuttings in the tea directly before planting them, and their survival rate should dramatically increase.
Stinging nettle and comfrey tea are effective alternatives if you don’t have access to a willow. Another method for making your own rooting hormone is to mix 3 teaspoons (15 ml.) of apple cider vinegar in 1 gallon (4 L.) of water. Dip your cuttings in this solution just before planting.
Additional Organic Rooting Options for Cuttings
Not all natural rooting methods involve mixing up a solution. The very easiest method for rooting plants organically uses only one ingredient that you’re guaranteed to have at home: spit. That’s right– give your cuttings a lick just before planting to enhance root productivity. NOTE: Just be absolutely sure your plant isn’t poisonous first! Cinnamon is a natural killer of fungus and bacteria that can be applied directly to your cutting to protect it. Dip your cutting in one of the wetter options listed here first to help the cinnamon stick better and double your protection. Honey is a good bacteria killer too. You can smear some honey directly on your cutting or, if you want, mix up a tea of 1 tablespoon (15 ml.) honey in 2 cups (473 ml.) boiling water. Cool the tea back down to room temperature before using it, and store it in a dark place.
