Best Rooting Hormone

November 7, 2020

Top Picks for Best Rooting Hormone

Award Product Image Product Title Product Link
Our Top Pick Garden Safe Take...image Garden Safe Take Root Rooting Hormone, Promotes Rooting, Grow New Plants From Cuttings, 2 Ounce Check Amazon
Editors Choice Bonide BND925 -...image Bonide BND925 - Bontone II Rooting Powder, Hormone Root Fertilizer 1.25 Oz Check Amazon
Best Choice HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting...image HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel, 100 ml Check Amazon

For many gardeners, their plants are the outcome of months of hard work.

However, if you have tried to propagate your cuttings you are likely to have fallen victim to them drooping rather than growing into beautifully flourished plants.

Best Rooting Hormone
growing seedlings

This is where the use of a rooting hormone is going to help.

 A rooting hormone is a chemical-based product that works to stimulate plant growth of root cuttings in particular.

They are available in multiple forms; powder, gel, or liquid. Following the application of a rooting product, your roots will then develop and grow at a faster pace. 

If you have experienced the struggle of cuttings that don't appear to be growing, we have you covered.

We have browsed the market selecting our top five picks of the best types of rooting hormones available.

We have also included a buyer's guide below containing our top tips for choosing the best product for your needs. 

If you are in a hurry, not to worry as we have selected our top pick below.

OUR TOP PICK: Garden Safe Rooting Hormone

Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone 2 oz, Helps New Plants grow from Cuttings

The Garden Safe Rooting Hormone has a powder formula that works to promote the growth of new plants from cuttings.

Active ingredients include Indole -3 - butyric which is very similar to the natural hormone found in plants.

Similarly to how the natural ingredients perform, this ingredient stimulates the root development of the cuttings.

This hormone is suitable for use on many plant varieties including African violets, roses, geraniums, and many more.

Although the formulation isn't the strongest available it is still going to work with effect on the majority of cuttings.

Affordably priced this product provides you with a cost-effective solution to encouraging root growth.

Using the product is simple as it is ready to use straight away. 

Dip the moistened plant cuttings into the powder solution before planting into your preferred spot.

Pros

  • Contains the active ingredient indole-3-butyric which resembles the natural ingredient found in plants.
  • The Garden Safe Rooting Hormone provides an inexpensive solution for root growth.
  • The powder formula is easy to use.
  • Available in two different size quantities you can select your preferred option.
  • This powder performs well with noticeable results over a short period.

Cons

  • The opening of the container is a little narrow which can make it difficult to use.

EDITORS CHOICE: Bontone Hormone Root Fertilizer

Bonide BND925 - Bontone II Rooting Powder, Hormone Root Fertilizer 1.25 Oz

Suitable for use on bulbs and seeds, this powdered formula root hormone works to stimulate the root growth of your cuttings.

Similarly to our previous pick, this rooting hormone contains indole-3-butyric acid which is very similar to the natural hormone found in plants. 

This powdered formula is suitable for use on many plant varieties from azaleas and geraniums to poinsettias.

Aside from this, it can be used on vegetables, fruit trees, and berries too. It is going to work particularly well on soft cuttings and general house plants despite its milder formulation. 

Applying this product to your cuttings is a straightforward process. Your cuttings simply need to be placed into the formula before being planted into moist soil.

If you are going to be using this powder on seeds or bulbs it can be added to the bag and shaken. This will then allow the product to gather around the seeds or bulbs.

Pros

  • This powder can be used on hard and softwood cuttings.
  • It is available in a single container or multiple quantities so you can select the amount that you require. 
  • It is suitable for use on a wide range of plants. 
  • Using this rooting hormone is easy and straightforward.
  • This rooting hormone can be used on seeds for visible results in a short time. 

Cons

  • This hormone product comes in a small-sized bottle which may be insufficient if you require a decent amount of product.

BEST VALUE: HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel

HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel, 100 ml

The HydroDynamics rooting gel has a water-based formula that delivers high performance in stimulating root growth.

Upon contact with the cuttings, the gel will remain in contact with the stem. Not only does this work effectively in sealing cut tissue, but it will also provide the cuttings with the hormones that they need to develop.

The formula contains an impressive amount of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to prevent the development of infection while ensuring that the roots are nourished during the important stages of development. 

As a gel formula, it is easy to use although the instructions are detailed on the back of the container should you require additional guidance in the process of doing so.

Place your cuttings into the desired amount of gel before putting them to root in a warm and moist environment. You should expect to witness visible results in 1-2 weeks.

Pros

  • The HydroDynamics Rooting Gel is deemed to be a high performing product.
  • This gel delivers noticeable results within a short amount of time. 
  • It contains nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that aid development in the important stages.
  • The thick gel formula avoids mess and any possible spillages.
  • As a gel-based product, it is easy and straightforward to use.

Cons

  • This product is a little expensive which may make it an unappealing choice for some.

RUNNER UP: DIP N Grow Liquid Hormone Concrete Rooting Solution

Dip 'n Grow Rooting Concentrate Size: 2 Ounces

The Dip N Grow Rooting hormone solution is a liquid-based product that contains both rooting auxins for the best results.

Something we particularly like about this product is that it comes with an additional container that can be used for the concentrate. 

Impressively, this product is self-sanitizing. It contains ethyl and isopropyl alcohol and so this helps to avoid cross-contamination which can cause your plants to become damaged due to the toxic residue. 

Unlike the previous products that we have mentioned, this DIP N Grow liquid solution is going to require diluting beforehand, however, as mentioned the additional measuring cup is going to make this task much easier.

You can also dilute the formula according to the plants that it is going to be used on.

You are likely to need a higher volume of water for softwood cuttings and a smaller amount of water if you are tackling challenging hardwood cuttings. 

Pros

  • This hormone is self-sanitizing which helps to avoid cross-contamination.
  • It comes with an additional pot for mixing the formula.
  • It contains both types of auxins that help to stimulate root growth.
  • As a product that requires diluting you can make it to the exact strength that you require.
  • This product delivers fast noticeable results.

Cons

  • This product has a strong odor so it is beneficial to use it in a well-ventilated area.

RUNNER UP: IBA Gel Rooting Hormone

Rooting Gel for Cuttings – IBA Rooting Hormone - Cloning Gel for Strong Clones - Key to Plant Cloning - Midas Products Rooting Gel Hormone for Cuttings 4oz - for Professional and Home Based Growers

This rooting compound by Misa Products contains IBA which is one of the top hormone ingredients that is used to clone plants.

For this reason, you can be sure that this is going to be a reliable solution for achieving the desired results. 

As a maximum strength product, this hormone gel is going to work in cloning your plants in a reduced period.

Alongside the IBA contents this product also contains Indole-3-Butyric Acid and as we have stated, this ingredient is renowned for the results that it achieves in encouraging the development of strong roots.

As expected, applying too much product to the root of your cuttings can have adverse effects causing them to become damaged.

This needn't be a concern with this gel as it has the perfect formula ratio and balance for the best results. It is also easy to use and can be used by beginners and advanced gardeners alike.

Take your cuttings and absorb the end into the product before planting it into an area of moist soil.

Pros

  • This product is backed with a money-back guarantee and 24-hour customer service support. 
  • This is a scientifically formulated gel product so you can have confidence in the results.
  • It's easy to use making it the ideal product for casual gardeners and professionals alike. 
  • It contains two powerful ingredients that are going to be highly influential upon the results achieved. 
  • This product achieves noticeable results in a short amount of time.

Cons

  • The packaging is prone to leaking which could cause it to become messy.

Best Rooting Hormone Buying Guide

Before making your purchase, it is necessary to consider multiple factors. The market offers many rooting hormones in different varieties.

Selecting the right product for your needs is crucial as this will ensure that it is going to deliver the most noticeable results on your plant cuttings. 

We have identified our top tips for selecting the right product below. 

The Type of Hormone

As you can see from our guide above, rooting hormones are available in three different formulation types. This includes liquid, gel, and powder.

Just like the other options, a liquid-type formula intends to stimulate the growth and development of the roots. The majority tend to come in a diluted form which makes them easier to use straight away.

A liquid formula is often sought after by those who have a large number of plants and cuttings. This is because it is much easier to spread along the root section of your plants.

You also have greater control to alter the strength of the formula depending on the plants. 

Powder formula is commonly used by casual and professional gardeners alike. Powder-based formulas tend to have a lower concentration of active ingredients which make it milder but still effective in working on roots.

It also tends to be longer-lasting than other variations available. A gel-based formula is the easiest to use as you can apply your required amount of product to the roots of the stems.

Although this product tends to be most demanding in terms of its storage requirements, it is longer-lasting. 

The Active Ingredients

The majority of rooting hormones contain active ingredients, the most common being indole-3-butyric acid. This works to encourage the development of the cuttings and roots.

Another popular active ingredient is IBA. This is a hormone that is part of the auxin family and is used in many commercial horticultural rooting products.

Other popular ingredients are auxins and these play a crucial role in the growth of roots along with the behavioral process of plant life.

The concentration of these ingredients can differ depending on the products and formulations with some being stronger than others. 

Plant Suitability

The plant suitability can differ depending on the product, however, you will find that the majority are suitable for a wide variety of plants.

Others will also be suitable for use on trees and vegetables too etc. 

Cross-contamination

It is important to avoid cross-contamination as this can cause your cuttings to become damaged.

Depending on the strength, some ingredients can become toxic to the plants.

Rooting Hormones that are self-sanitizing avoid this issue and as a result, your plants aren't going to become damaged, instead flourishing and growing. 

Using the Product

Preferably your product should be easy to use, particularly if you are a casual gardener or one that is new to using rooting hormones.

You may find particular formulations to be easier to use than others. Most products will have detailed guidance on the packaging.

With most products, you will need to take your cuttings and then absorb them in the desired amount of product. Most will then need to be kept in a warm or humid environment for the most noticeable results.

Once they have absorbed the product, they can be planted into moist areas of soil. You will also find that some products will need to be used on moist cuttings.

In some cases, these products can be used on seeds and bulbs too. You will simply need to put the required amount of product into the bag before shaking it to coat the seeds and bulbs for optimal growth. 

The Size of the Container 

The container size can be different depending on the brand, some will manufacture their products in larger size quantities.

It is necessary to pay attention to the specifications of your products so that you are aware of the quantity that you are going to receive.

If you require a lot of product you may benefit from purchasing a larger container as this is going to deliver long-lasting use.

However, you may also find that some smaller sized products last for a considerable amount of time as you only require a small amount of product for each use.  

Diluted or Undiluted

Particular products will come diluted ready for use while others come undiluted. In some cases, you may be able to use the product undiluted depending on the plant type.

If you are dealing with softwood plants a diluted product is going to be suitable.

However, if you have hardwood plants that are difficult to root you may benefit from using an undiluted product because it is stronger in strength and can tackle challenging roots with ease.

Those that come undiluted are also likely to last longer as there is more product in the bottle.

A good thing about diluted and undiluted rooting hormones is that you can control the strength. 

Time to Work/ achieve noticeable results

Some products may take longer to work than others. You may find that following application of particular products you witness noticeable results within a shorter period.

Of course, the intention of using a rooting hormone is to encourage the development of your roots, and ideally, you want to witness the results within a shorter period.

With some products, you will notice results within a couple of days to a week, with others you may not see results for a few weeks.

The amount of time taken to achieve noticeable results is going to be a reflection of the effectiveness of the product.

The Cost

Many rooting hormones provide an inexpensive solution to tackle cuttings that are struggling to develop.

Those that are of a professional standard are likely to be a little more expensive as they are considered to be the most effective in achieving noticeable results.

The amount that you spend is likely to depend on the budget that you have in mind. The price can differ depending on the brand too.

However, do not be put off by expensive price tags as there are plenty of affordable options available that are considered to be just as effective in regards to the results that they achieve. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for rooting hormones to work?

The time taken for the rooting hormone to work can differ depending on the plant.

You will find that some can root in as little as 1-2 weeks while others can take many months. It may also differ depending on the product.

Can you use too much rooting hormone?

Yes, you can use too much rooting hormone and this can cause the cuttings of the plant to become damaged as a result.

Your cuttings aren't going to benefit from excessive exposure to rooting hormone.

If the foliage of your plant comes into contact with the rooting hormone it can cause the leaves to become damaged.

Do rooting hormones work?

Yes, they do, so long as they are used according to the guidance stated by the manufacturer.

Of course, there may be the odd occasions where these products are ineffective but this can be for several reasons, the most likely being incorrect use.

They work to increase the chances of your cuttings developing roots and this is likely to occur at a faster pace than plants that haven't used a rooting hormone.

It is particularly beneficial for those who are looking for an easy alternative for effective plant propagation. You may find certain brands to be more effective than others too. 

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