Rooting hormone can help, but what if you’d prefer a natural, homemade alternative?
Meet the Expert
Justin Hancockis a horticulturist at Costa Farms.
He has 25 years of experience working for plant nurseries and writing for garden publications.
The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
That’s because willows naturally contain an auxin called indole-3-acetic acid that supports plant growth.
They also contain salicylic acid, which can help fight off fungal or bacterial infections.
Want more gardening tips?
The Spruce / Michael Marquand
Some gardeners swear by applying it to the cut ends of cuttings when propagating them in soil.
Hancock surely doesn’t think so.
But neither of these ingredients encourages rooting or protects cuttings from infection.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
“The antibacterial and antifungal properties of cinnamon are completely overblown.”
Unfortunately, there’s no evidence thatbanana peel waterwill help your cuttings root, and Hancock agrees.
Steeping the peels in water won’t extract that valuable potassiumonly composting can do that.
“It’s not good for plants,” Hancock says.
This is possibly the least recommended optioneven spentcoffee groundsstill contain caffeine that can impact your cutting’s root growth.
What Is Rooting Hormone Made Of?
Rooting hormone works thanks to auxins, hormones that plants produce naturally.
These hormones help with vegetative growth as well as root formation.
“Rooting hormones are naturally occurring plant hormones that help kick the plant into gear,” says Hancock.
“It’s sort of like using melatonin to help you sleep.”
Always read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the product you choose.
If you want to avoid using commercial rooting hormone, try the willow water method as a DIY alternative.
2021 Sep;7(5):2061-2067. doi: 10.1002/vms3.488.
Epub 2021 May 5.
PMID: 33949142; PMCID: PMC8464272.
Rooting hormones improve uniformity among vegetative cuttings.Michigan State University Extension.
Baking soda: Will fungi fail and roses rejoice?Washington State University Master Gardeners.
