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
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
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