How to Make Your Own Rooting Hormone Alternative for Dragon Fruit Cuttings

Rooting hormone makes successfully rooting cuttings a whole lot easier. The good news is that homemade rooting powder is easy to make, rather than buying it. Read on to find out why this is a better alternative, and which options you might choose that are more natural and eco-friendly choices for your propagation efforts.

The Benefits of Homemade Rooting Hormone

Homemade rooting hormone offers several advantages. First, it is cost-effective. You can create it using common household ingredients. Second, it is safer for both you and the environment. Many commercial rooting hormones contain synthetic chemicals that can be harmful. By using natural alternatives, you contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem.

What Is Rooting Hormone?

Rooting hormone, sometimes referred to as rooting powder, is a substance applied to plant cuttings to encourage root growth. It increases the chances of successful propagation. Rooting hormones contain chemicals that promote root development and help cuttings establish themselves effectively.

What Is Rooting Hormone Made Of?

There are two main types of rooting hormones: synthetic and organic. Synthetic rooting compounds are typically plant-derived chemicals modified in a lab. Common synthetic rooting compounds include:

• Indolebutyric acid (IBA)

• Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)

• IAA

• Zeatin

• Thidiazuron (TDZ)

• Chlormequat chloride

  
  

Synthetic rooting compounds may also include synthetic fertilizers to promote stronger plant growth. However, if you are an organic gardener, you may want to avoid such synthetic products. Fortunately, you can make your own organic rooting hormone alternative. There are several different options to choose from.

What Is Rooting Hormone Used For?

Rooting hormone is primarily used to improve the chances of cuttings from plants rooting successfully. The ends of cuttings are dipped into the substance before planting them in the ground or in pots.

What Are The Benefits of Rooting Hormone?

The main benefit of using rooting powder is that it increases the chances of successful rooting. This helps avoid wasting time and effort on cuttings that do not thrive. While many plants can root without a hormone, some are more challenging. Using a rooting hormone broadens the range of cuttings that can be successfully propagated.

How To Use Rooting Hormone

Using rooting hormone for cuttings is a simple process. Rooting powders come in various forms: powders, gels, or liquids. Liquids require more caution to avoid overuse, so powders or gels are often better choices.

After preparing your cuttings—whether they are softwood, semi-ripe, or hardwood—dip the end of the cuttings into the rooting hormone. Then, plant your cutting into a trench in the ground or a container filled with a suitable growing medium.

Is Rooting Hormone Safe?

Store-bought rooting powder is not always entirely safe. It is important to understand that these chemical products, especially synthetic ones, can be toxic. They may cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and respiratory problems if inhaled. Care is required when using these products. If you want a safer, organic home and garden, consider choosing a homemade, natural alternative.

Homemade Rooting Hormone Alternatives To Use Guilt-Free In Your Garden

Natural rooting hormone solutions are better for your health and help avoid contributing to harmful systems. Making a DIY rooting hormone alternative saves you from spending money on external inputs for your garden. You might even be able to source the ingredients from your own property.

Willow Water

Willow water is a fantastic alternative rooting hormone. If you have willow trees in your garden, you already have access to this ingredient. Willow is effective for rooting cuttings because it contains high concentrations of Indolebutyric acid (IBA) and salicylic acid, which protects against fungi and pathogens.

To make willow water, gather about 2 cups of fresh willow growth and chop it into short lengths. Pour around 6 cups of boiling water over the chopped willow. Stir the mixture, let it cool, and after a day or two, strain it for use.

Once prepared, you can store willow water in the fridge for about three months or freeze it in an ice cube tray for later use. This is the option I usually turn to when rooting cuttings in my garden.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rooting Hormone

Another easy option for home growers is apple cider vinegar. You can make your own apple cider vinegar if you have apple trees. This is a great project since apple cider vinegar has many uses around your home and garden.

To create a rooting solution with apple cider vinegar, mix one teaspoon of vinegar into each 1.2 to 1.4 liters of water. This should give the plants a slight boost to help them root successfully. Be cautious not to use too much vinegar, as this could hinder rooting.

Honey & Cinnamon Rooting Hormone

While honey and cinnamon may not directly encourage rooting, they help protect cuttings from pathogens. This significantly reduces the chances of damping off problems.

To use this method, dip the end of a cutting into honey water made with 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of honey. Then, dip the same cutting into cinnamon powder. A gardener friend of mine swears by this treatment for challenging cuttings that often succumb to fungal issues.

Aloe Vera Gel

If you grow aloe vera as a houseplant, you can make your own aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is an excellent rooting powder alternative because it contains glucomannans, amino acids, sterols, and vitamins. Studies show that these components help many species develop stronger roots when propagating cuttings or through air layering.

To use aloe vera gel, dip the cutting end in the gel for two seconds before planting as you normally would.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is another natural ingredient, though you may not be able to source it from your garden. However, if you purchase a coconut to eat, you can utilize its water. Coconuts contain auxins and nutrients that help protect and nourish the cutting.

Dip a cutting in fresh coconut water. One study found that coconut water works just as well as synthetic rooting hormones. Another study showed slight improvement in difficult-to-root Dracaena cuttings. Avoid using canned or bottled coconut milk, as it likely won’t have the same effect.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using homemade rooting hormones can greatly enhance your propagation efforts. They are safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. By exploring various natural alternatives, you can find the best solution for your gardening needs. Happy propagating!