12 Best Rooting Hormones in 2021

HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel

Garden Safe Rooting Hormone

Dip ‘N Grow Liquid Rooting Hormone

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As a farmer or gardener, watching your plants grow healthily and fast is a thing of joy, and anybody would love that to continue forever. However, that is not the case as there are lots of variables involved in this process. Plants produce certain hormones that help to stimulate their growth.

However, the rate at which they produce these rooting hormones vary, and sometimes it can be too slow. This can affect the growing time as well as the yield of the plant, and as a result, this is one of the main reasons why farmers use commercial rooting hormones.

Rooting hormones contains auxins, and they are used for plant propagation. They are used by farmers to boost plant growth as well as to clone plant cuttings from their parent plant. These hormones help to develop the plant rooting system.

The developed rooting system, in turn, gets access to more water as well as other nutrients, therefore, improving the overall growth of the plant. One of the advantages of rooting hormones is not just the fact that they help to develop the rooting system of plants; they also do this in record time.

Generally, rooting hormones contain ingredients, some of which are naturally occurring in plants that aid in enhancing growth. Among these ingredients, some active ingredients are known to contribute to this growth and development primarily. The most popular and widely used active ingredient in most commercial rooting hormones is Indole-3-Butyric acid (IBA).

There are three main types of rooting hormones available on the market; they are liquid, gel, and powder rooting hormones. They all have their distinct advantages as well as their disadvantages, but gel rooting hormones are relatively more expensive than the other hormones.

It is essential to follow the usage instruction that comes with whatever rooting hormone you decide to use on your cuttings. However, most rooting hormones are generally easy to use. Most of them require that you cut the plant stem diagonally to a certain degree and length, dip it into the rooting solution, and plant in a growing medium.

The Twelve Best Rooting Hormones Are Reviewed Below

There are many rooting hormones on the market, but some of them can kill your cutting instead of helping it grow. You must get a rooting hormone that does what you intend it to do and not cause any damage to the plant as well as the environment. Below are some of the best rooting hormones that can help you achieve a healthy and fast-growing rooting system.

1

HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel

The HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel is arguably one of the best and most popular rooting gels available on the market. It is proudly made in the US, and it is registered with the EPA as well as recognized and approved in all the states in the country.

The impressive rating of the Clonex rooting hormone is highlighted in its consistency in producing quality results. The rooting hormone is a water-based gel that remains in contact with the stem on which it is applied. The rooting hormone gel helps to seal the cut tissue on the stem.

It also goes on to supply the plant with the hormones that help aid root cell development. Young plants tend to perform exceptionally when this rooting hormone is applied to their cuttings. One of the main ingredients of the Clonex Rooting Gel is Indole-3-Butyric acid, which is known for boosting plant growth and development. It also contains other mineral nutrients as well as trace elements that work together to boost plant growth.

The Clonex Rooting Gel is relatively easy to use. All you have to do is to dip the stem cutting into the gel, then transfer it to its growing medium and wait for the results.

The rooting hormone is alcohol-free, and it is not harmful to the environment. It can be applied to a wide variety of plant cuttings such as vegetables, fruits, ornamental species, herbaceous plants, etc.

Key Features:

  • Water-based gel
  • Contains Indole-3-Butyric Acid

Specification:

  • Brand: Clonex
  • Type: Gel
  • Volume: 3.38 ounces
Pros
  • It is easy to use
  • It boosts plant growth and development
  • It can be used on different kinds of plant
  • Its effect last long
Cons
  • Using it in its container can contaminate the gel.

2

Garden Safe Rooting Hormone

Garden safe Rooting Hormone is one of the best rooting hormones on the market that can be applied to different varieties of plants. The rooting hormone is a powder and helps to grow new plants from the cuttings on which it is applied.

It is ideal for your garden plants as well as those that are grown in greenhouses. Flowers such as the African Violet, roses, philodendrons, and other ornamental plants cuttings grow excellently when the Garden Safe Rooting Hormone is applied to the cutting.

It contains Indole-3-Butyric Acid, which is the active ingredient in the powder, as well as other ingredients that help to stimulate growth. The rooting hormone is quite easy to use. Ensure that the plant cutting is moistened before stirring the cut part in the powder, then remove excess powder on the cutting before planting.

Garden Safe Rooting Hormone is relatively inexpensive and produces results, and it has lots of positive reviews to attest to this.

Key Features:

  • Contains Indole-3-Butyric Acid

Specification:

  • Brand: Garden Safe
  • Type: Powder
  • Volume: 2.0 ounces
Pros
  • It aids the growth of plants from cuttings
  • It is easy to use
  • It is very affordable
  • Has a high performance
Cons
  • The cuttings may not perform well if exposed to direct sunlight

3

Dip ‘N Grow Liquid Rooting Hormone

Dip ‘N Grow Liquid Rooting Hormone, as the name implies, helps to grow new plants from cuttings after they have been dipped in the rooting hormone. It is one of the best and most economical rooting hormones available on the market.

It is packaged as a liquid concentrate that has to be diluted in water before usage. The amount of concentrate that is used varies from plant to plant. It is important to note this to ensure that your plant cutting gets the right amount of rooting hormone that is needed for it to grow optimally.

Dip ‘N Grow rooting hormone contains two active ingredients that help in boosting plant growth and development, they are Indole-3-Butyric acid (IBA) and 1-Napthaleneatic acid (NAA), both of which are root inducing auxins. These active ingredients, together with the other ingredients, help to produce an effective rooting hormone that aids in propagating plants, especially in nurseries.

The rooting hormone is easy to use, as you can plant the cutting after dipping it in the diluted mixture. It takes away the worry of cross contaminations thanks to its self-sanitizing properties.

Key Features:

  • Indole-3-Butyric acid
  • 1-Naphtaleneatic acid
  • Alcohol solvent

Specification:

  • Brand: Dip ‘N Grow
  • Type: Powder
  • Volume: 2.0 ounces
Pros
  • It is easy to use
  • It is self-sanitizing
  • It contains two active root inducing auxins
  • Prevents cross-contamination
Cons
  • It has to be diluted
  • The mixture cannot be reused

4

Miracle-Gro FastRoot1 Dry Powder Rooting Hormone

Miracle-Gro FastRoot1 Dry Powder Rooting Hormone is one of the best rooting hormones for growing roses, ornamental plants, as well as other plants such as tropical and leafy plants. All it takes is a cut to multiply the number of plants in your nursery or garden, all thanks to the growth increasing abilities of this rooting hormone.

You don’t need any special experience or expertise before you can use this rooting hormone. All it takes is a plant cutting or cuttings, the rooting hormone powder, and a growing medium. Ensure that the height of the cutting about 4-6 inches, then dip it in a small container where you have the powder, then plant the cutting in a moist medium away from sunlight.

Exposing the cutting to direct sunlight will likely kill the plant as it will start wilting instead of booming. Ensure that the area where the cutting is planted remains moist until it begins to develop roots as well as grow.

Key Features:

  • Contains Indole-3-Butyric acid as the active ingredient

Specification:

  • Brand: Miracle-Gro
  • Type: Powder
  • Volume: 1.6 ounces
Pros
  • It is easy to use
  • Does not create a mess
  • Can be used on multiple cuttings
Cons
  • Cuttings do not perform well when exposed to direct sunlight.

5

Quick Clone Gel

Quick Clone gel is rated as one of the best rooting hormones for cloning plants. It can be used to grow roses, vegetables, trees as well as ornamental plants. The rooting hormone helps to speed up plant growth as well as increase yield.

One of the main ingredients of this rooting hormone is a brewed tea base, which helps to boost root development, and it is derived from natural ingredients making it one of the best organic rooting hormones on the market. Quick Clone Gel also contains other ingredients that help to provide the essential nutrients plants need for growth.

The gel is relatively easy to use, and you don’t have to mix the gel with water before use. Pour the gel on a small container then dip your moist plant cuttings into the gel, after which you then transfer the cuttings to their designated growing medium. Then wait for the results.

Quick Clone rooting gel is registered with the EPA, and it is quite popular among organic gardeners thanks to its impressive list of natural ingredients.

Key Features:

  • Contains natural ingredients

Specification:

  • Brand: Quick Clone
  • Type: Gel
  • Volume: 2.5 ounces
Pros
  • It is easy to use
  • It can be used on different plants
  • Contains natural ingredients
  • Does not require mixing
Cons
  • May not be the best for plants in water growing medium

6

General Hydroponics Rapid Start Rooting Enhancer

When it comes to liquid rooting hormones, the General Hydroponics Rapid Start Rooting Enhancer is arguably one of the best natural rooting hormones available on the market. It has been around for quite some time, and its manufacturers ensure that work is being done constantly to improve the quality of the hormone.

It helps to enhance the growth of root hairs, especially stiff ones. The rooting hormone is made from an impressive list of natural ingredients that help in increasing the yield of plants as well as ensure that they grow optimally. Examples of such ingredients present in the hormone are amino acids, plant extracts, and it also contains the popular Indole-3-Butyric acid as an active ingredient.

A measured amount of the liquid hormone has to be mixed with a certain measurement of water as given in the instruction that comes with it. Results start getting visible in roughly six days. The rooting hormone can be used on a large scale on different cuttings, therefore boosting quality as well as yield.

However, as a result of the packaging of the liquid, you have to be cautious when opening the bottle to prevent spillage.

Key Features:

  • Indole-3-Butyric acid
  • Contains natural ingredients such as plant extracts

Specification:

  • Brand: General Hydroponics
  • Type: Liquid
  • Volume: 4.23 ounces
Pros
  • It is fast and effective
  • It has natural ingredients
  • It is easy to use
  • Aids the growth of root hairs
  • Suitable for hydroponics
Cons
  • Spillage can occur if it is not handled with care.

7

True Plus Plant Science Root Boost Rooting Hormone

True Plant Science Root Boost Advanced Rooting Formula is one of the best rooting solutions that help plants develop strong roots as well as ensure that they grow the best condition possible. It is a combination of rooting minerals, probiotic bacteria, and mycorrhizae, with the bacteria and mycorrhizae containing nine strains and four strains, respectively.

All these works together efficiently to enhance root growth and provide the root the necessary nutrients and enzymes that plants need to do that successfully. The rooting solution comes with a usage direction, and it can be used for plants growing in soil medium as well as in Hydroponic medium.

The formula also helps to improve water and mineral uptake in plants, thanks to the presence of phosphorus and potassium in the solution. Furthermore, a little amount of this rooting hormone is what is needed to make a difference, and it has a long-lasting effect on the plant.

Key Features:

  • Four strains of Mycorrhizae
  • Nine strains of Probiotic bacteria
  • Rooting minerals

Specification:

  • Brand: TPS Nutrients
  • Type: Liquid
  • Volume: 32 ounces
Pros
  • It contains probiotic bacteria
  • It boosts the growth of root hairs
  • Contains beneficial Mycorrhizae
  • Provides minerals to the plant and acts as a fertilizer
Cons
  • It is a bit pricey.

8

MAXIROOT Organic Rooting-Cloning Hormone Gel

Maxiroot Organic Gel is one of the best organic rooting hormones around thanks to its all-natural ingredients, which significantly reduces the rooting time for better productivity. The natural rooting and cloning hormone can be used on different types of cutting, ranging from fruits, ornamental plants, softwood and hardwood trees, cannabis, etc.

One of the main ingredients of this cloning gel is the Ascophyllum Nodosum, which aids in improving the health of roots as well as help them in growing faster and stronger.

Apart from being an organic option, this hormone also happens to be quite affordable, making it one of the most cost-effective rooting hormones as well. Its effects last longer, and its results are relatively fast and impressive.

It does not have a pleasant odor; you don’t have to worry much about the odor affecting the scent of your plants because it won’t.

Key Features:

  • Contains Ascophyllum Nodosum
  • It contains organic ingredients

Specification:

  • Brand: MAXIROOT
  • Type: Gel
  • Volume: 3.38 ounces
Pros
  • It is easy to use
  • It produces fast and strong results
  • It is cost-effective
  • Contains natural ingredients
Cons
  • It has an unpleasant odor.

9

Hormex Rooting Hormone Powder

According to the manufacturers of this rooting hormone, Hormex rooting hormone powder is the fastest way to root your own plants. While this may be contestable, there is a great degree of truth in that claim because the rooting powder does deliver when it comes to cloning and developing the root systems of plants.

Furthermore, Hormex rooting hormone powder is available in different levels of strength with respect to the type of plant. These levels vary from moderately difficult plants to the roots of woody plants. The amount of the active ingredient, which is Indole-3-Butyric acid (IBA), varies across all levels and increases with increasing plant rooting difficulty.

To help users understand its usage better, the makers of this rooting hormone powder did a good job of providing a list of plants and the right amount of concentration of Hormex powder that suits the plant and will help perform very well.

The powder can be used on edible plants and can work well in different growing media. It is relatively easy to apply it to the cuttings.

Key Features:

  • Available in five strengths
  • Has varying concentrations of IBA

Specification:

  • Brand: Hormex
  • Type: Powder
  • Volume: 0.75 ounces
Pros
  • Suitable for different growing media
  • Does not contain alcohol, dye, and preservatives
  • Easy to apply
  • Can be used on edible plants
  • Speeds up the growth of plants
  • It is designed for plants with varying rooting difficulties
Cons
  • Comes in low quantities

10

Bonide Bontone II Rooting Powder

Bonide has been in the gardening business for close to a century, and their rooting hormone powder has shown impressive results to feature on this list. It aids in the cloning of softwood and hardwood cuttings, and it is also applicable to other types of plants, such as ornamental plants, vegetables, etc. Generally, it can be used on bulbs and seeds.

The Bontone II rooting powder is easy to apply and helps to stimulate plant root growth, and it can also be used when transplanting to strengthen the growth and health of the roots. The results are known to be fast and effective. Its main active ingredient is Indole-3-Butyric acid (IBA), as well as other ingredients that contribute to the growth and plant nutrients.

The rooting hormone is quite inexpensive. However, depending on the growing medium that you intend to use, it is important to note that the rooting powder does not dissolve in water.

Key Features:

  • Contains Indole-3-Butyric acid (IBA)

Specification:

  • Brand: Bonide
  • Type: Powder
  • Volume: 1.25 ounces
Pros
  • It is easy to apply
  • Works on cuttings and seeds
  • Helps stimulate root growth and development
  • It is affordable
  • Suitable for transplanting
  • Can be used on different types of plants
Cons
  • It does not have anti-fungal properties.

11

Midas Products Rooting Gel

Midas Product Rooting Gel is a rooting hormone of high quality that works efficiently to ensure that every cutting it touches does not turn to literal golds but multiply and grows faster and healthier.

The rooting hormone gel has Indole-3-Butyric acid (IBA) as its active ingredient coupled with other similarly important ingredients that work together to boost the growth of plant roots. It is also one of the best rooting hormones for succulents.

It is also easy to apply, and it comes in a sizeable quantity that will go round for as many cuttings as possible. Ensure that you pour the amount of rooting gel that you want to use on your cuttings into a clean container, then dip the cuttings into the gel and transfer them to their growing medium. The product is known to deliver results in a relatively faster time than most rooting hormone.

The quality, as well as the quantity, amplifies the price if the Midas product, but it does deliver. On the downside, you have to discard the container you used to administer the gel on the cuttings, therefore wasting residues as well as the container.

Key Features:

  • Contains Indole-3-Butyric acid

Specification:

  • Brand: Midas Product
  • Type: Gel
  • Volume: 4.0 ounces
Pros
  • It has high quality and performance
  • It can be used on all types of plants
  • It produces relatively faster and efficient results
  • It is easy to apply
Cons
  • Residues cannot be reused.

12

RootBoost Rooting Hormone Powder

The Gardentech RootBoost rooting hormone powder is one of the best rooting hormones for succulents, roses, and other ornamental plants. It can also be used on some other types of plants. The endpoint of most applications is a strong and healthy growing plant root.

Just like in most rooting hormones, RootBoost hormone powder contains Indole-3-Butyric acid (IBA) as its active ingredient as well as other ingredients that help stimulate growth from cuttings.

It is also easy to apply this hormone to the cutting. Just ensure that you cut the plant stem in the ideal way suitable for planting, then dip it into the powder and transfer to a moist growing medium. With this rooting hormone, you don’t have to worry about plant decays, and it does not take forever to produce the much-expected results.

It is relatively affordable, and the bottle is enough for cloning hundreds of plant cuttings. However, it is essential to note that it is not the best for rooting water growing medium.

Key Features:

  • Indole-3-Butyric acid is the active ingredient

Specification:

  • Brand: RootBoost
  • Type: Powder
  • Volume: 2.0 ounces
Pros
  • It is ideal for ornamental plants such as flowers and succulents
  • It is inexpensive
  • It can be used for plenty cuttings
  • It is easy to apply
  • Helps cuttings grow faster and healthier
Cons
  • It is not suitable for rooting in water.

Buying Guide Questions

Rooting hormones do a lot of good to plants; however, they have to be applied at certain amounts. Also, not all rooting hormones are suitable for all plants, and they can be used on all types of rooting medium. Having this information is vital, that is why this buying guide is prepared to help you to know more about rooting hormones and how to make more informed decisions when purchasing and using them.

What are rooting hormones?

Rooting hormones are hormones that are found in plants or made in the lab that is used to propagate plants. Some rooting hormones also contain anti-fungal and microbial properties that help protect plants from infection. Others contain probiotic bacteria as well as fungi that boost root formation and enable the plant to grow faster.

A well-growing root system means that the plant will likely grow faster and better, therefore bring about faster yield.

Is there a substitute for rooting hormone?

Rooting hormones generally have certain ingredients that help to boots plant root systems. You can get some of these nutrients from homegrown solutions. Examples of things you can use to substitute the regular commercial rooting hormone are vinegar, cinnamon, honey, willow water, etc. All these substances have directions on how to apply them. It is essential to follow them when using them as a substitute for commercial rooting hormones.

Can I make my own rooting hormone?

Yes, you can make your rooting hormone from the comfort of your home. One of the most popular DIY rooting hormones is a vinegar solution. A measured amount of vinegar is to be mixed with a gallon of water or more depending on the amount you cuttings you have. After mixing the solution, dip the cuttings into the solution then move them to their growing medium.

You can also make your rooting medium by using willow water, which reportedly rich with some active ingredients known for improving the growth of new plant roots.

Can I use cinnamon as a rooting hormone?

Cinnamon is not exactly a rooting hormone; however, it helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. This can prove handy when looking for homegrown solutions to help boost plant growth. You can use cinnamon alongside other rooting hormones, such as willow water or vinegar.

Is honey a rooting hormone?

Honey, just like cinnamon, is not exactly a rooting hormone, but it has some antimicrobial properties which, when applied on cuttings, help to protect them from getting infected by microbes. This helps the plant to develop its natural rooting hormones uninterrupted. It can also be used alongside other proven natural rooting hormone solutions.

Does aspirin work as a rooting hormone?

Aspirin can be used as a rooting hormone because it contains salicylic acid, which can act as an active ingredient when used on plant cuttings. The aspirin has to be dissolved in water before dipping the cutting into the solution. It is believed to have some antimicrobial features which aid in shielding the plants from bacteria and fungal infections. Apart from strengthening the health of the plant, it also helps to help speed up the growing process as well as increase yield.

Can you grow cuttings without rooting hormone?

You can grow cuttings without rooting hormone. While some cuttings will grow without encountering any issue, some will grow quite slowly, while others may not grow at all depending on the type of plant and the condition of the growing media. So, it is important to know if the plant you intend to clone can perform well with or without rooting hormones to avoid wastage.

Can you use too much rooting hormone?

This is possible, but it will have a negative impact on the plant and the environment. In some cases, the cutting may not survive, while excess rooting hormone in the soil can be harmful to some soil organisms.

That is why it is important to follow the appropriate measurement as given in the instruction that comes with the rooting hormone to avoid such incidences.

When should I take my rooting hormone for propagating plants?

This should be done when you are ready to plant the cutting immediately after applying the rooting hormone. Ensure that you have a growing medium so that you can transfer the plant cutting you want to propagate after that using the rooting hormone regardless of what type of rooting hormone.

Does Aloe work as rooting hormone?

Aloe vera can work as a rooting hormone. Extract the aloe vera gel from the plant, then mix it with water. Dip the cutting in the solution then transfer it to a growing medium

Is aloe vera a good rooting hormone?

Aloe Vera has a lot of applications that include medicinal uses. As a rooting hormone, it may not be the very best natural rooting hormone solution; however, it does deliver good results.

Conclusion

Knowing whether a rooting hormone works with the plant you want to propagate as well as the right amount to use with respect to that plant is essential. That is why it is important to settle for rooting hormones that specify this to certain extents. Ensure that you settle for quality products as this will not only produce good results but also save you extra cost.