ROOTING HORMONES
The Down-low on
Photo by Dr . Lynette Morgan
ORGANIC ROOTING STIMULATORS
There are many organic purists in the indoor growing community who struggle with the cloning stage because they do not want to use synthetic hormones . No need to worry ! There are two natural and organic sources that can successfully provide a rooting boost to freshly taken cuttings . These two stimulants are honey and willow extract .
Honey – That ’ s right ! Honey can be used as a natural rooting stimulate . The reason honey works well as a rooting hormone is due to its natural antiseptic and anti-fungal properties . In other words , honey protects the tender cuttings from pathogens and allows the natural rooting hormones to work their magic . Although results will not be seen as quickly as when a synthetic rooting hormone is used , honey is a great natural cloning agent that will allow growers to achieve high success rates during cloning . To use honey as a cloning agent , simply dip the cutting into the honey to create a thin layer over the cut tissue . After dipping into the honey , place the cutting into the desired medium . Many synthetic rooting hormones will help the plant create roots in three to five days . Growers who use honey for their cuttings can expect root formation in seven to 14 days .
Willow Extract – Willow extract is probably the best natural , organic rooting stimulator available . There are many products available that use it as the main ingredient . The reason willow extract works so well is because it contains two auxin hormones : salicylic acid ( SA ) and indolebutyric acid ( IBA ). SA is involved in signaling a plant ’ s natural defenses , while IBA — once thought to be only available synthetically — stimulates root growth . This
hormone is found in high concentrations in the growing tips of willow branches . Products made with willow extract contain these two powerful hormones and can naturally provide the same success rates as synthetic rooting hormone products . In fact , it is not uncommon for growers to experience root growth in a matter of days when using willow extract as the rooting stimulator .
ADDITIONAL ROOTING TIPS
An effective rooting stimulator is an important part of successful cloning , but there is also much to say about other contributing factors . Consistent environmental conditions are also crucial in obtaining reliable cloning results . Cleanliness is an extremely important factor during cloning as well . Sanitizing and sterilizing equipment between clone batches is essential for creating healthy clones . Also , a clone is only as good as the mother plant from which it comes . Simply put , only take clones from healthy , vibrant donor plants .
When an effective rooting stimulator , whether it be a synthetic hormone or natural derivative , is combined with solid environmental conditions , sterile equipment and a healthy donor plant , you are sure to be successful during the cloning stage of your garden . With a continuous supply of healthy clones , you can perpetually rotate new plants into the vegetative and flowering areas as needed . Just remember , the prosperity of a perpetual garden is based entirely on your ability to create healthy clones . An effective rooting stimulator product helps ward off diseases , increases the rate of root initiation and helps lay the groundwork for a more productive growroom .
54 Maximum Yield USA | June 2016