Yes, you absolutely can propagate plants without rooting hormone. Many plants—such as pothos, coleus, and tomatoes—will readily grow roots on their own. While hormones speed up the process and increase success rates for woody or stubborn plants, you can easily use common household items or stick to a simple water-propagation method.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Cinnamon for Rooting
Dust the freshly cut end with a thin layer of cinnamon powder; this is your all-natural rooting hormone substitute ready to work its wonders. Place the cinnamon-coated cutting into your chosen growth medium, such as soil or a water-based propagation system.
Many plants will root just fine without a rooting hormone of any kind. Some plants, however, are more of a challenge and so will not be as easy to propagate without using one at all. So using a rooting hormone broadens the range of cuttings that most of us can get to root successfully.
Hardwood cuttings are taken from mid-autumn until late winter from vigorous healthy shoots of the current year's growth - this will be woody but pliable. Use for deciduous climbers, shrubs, trees (including fruit) and some evergreens such as hollies.
You can easily replace commercial rooting hormone with household staples like aloe vera gel, honey, cinnamon, or willow water. These natural alternatives stimulate root development while protecting the cutting from bacteria and fungi.
Make a powerful, natural rooting hormone at home by mixing 3 tbsp. of fresh aloe vera gel with 1 tsp. of raw honey and 1 tsp. of cinnamon. Aloe vera stimulates root growth, honey provides antibacterial protection, and cinnamon prevents fungus. Dip your cutting into the mixture before planting.
Natural rooting hormones encourage plant cuttings to develop roots without synthetic chemicals. Effective DIY options include aloe vera gel, which contains natural plant auxins, willow water (made by steeping willow twigs), which is rich in natural rooting hormones, and honey, which prevents fungal rot.
It is illegal to propagate some plants primarily to protect intellectual property (such as plant patents or trademarks), to prevent the spread of agricultural diseases, or to control invasive species.
Yes, you can put cuttings straight into soil. In fact, many plants establish stronger, more resilient root systems this way compared to water propagation. To ensure success, you need to retain moisture, prevent rot, and use a well-draining potting mix.
To help cuttings root faster in water, you can add a pothos cutting (to share natural rooting hormones), a tiny drop of hydrogen peroxide (to prevent rot), or natural willow water. The secret to water propagation is maintaining a healthy, sterile environment rather than adding plant food.
There are many plants that will root easily in water, without additional rooting hormone. If you don't have any commercially available (synthetic) rooting hormone, simply try rooting your cuttings without it. Focus on creating the ideal rooting conditions for your plant as we outline below.
Ideally when propagating woody herbs like rosemary it is best to take semi-ripe cuttings. This can be done earlier in the season, but towards the end of the summer or even autumn work just fine. Just ensure they are not currently flowering.
Insert the cutting into a well-draining medium (perlite and peat, coarse sand, or a propagation mix). Water thoroughly and cover with a humidity dome or clear plastic bag to maintain moisture. Place in bright, indirect light at a warm, stable temperature.
Yes, you can use raw honey as a natural, antibacterial, and antifungal rooting aid to protect cuttings from infection. While not a direct hormonal stimulant like synthetic products, honey preserves cuttings and boosts survival rates. Do not use pasteurized, store-bought honey, as it lack the beneficial antiseptic properties.
Use proper rooting hormones or correct propagation conditions, and avoid sugar, baking soda, and vinegar on cuttings.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Acidic Balance for Root Health
ACV is fermented from apples, retaining beneficial acids (like malic acid) and trace minerals (potassium, calcium) that stimulate root growth. It also acts as a mild fungicide, preventing soil-borne pathogens from attacking vulnerable cuttings.
Many indoor houseplants, such as, begonias, coleus, polka-dot-plant, ivies and philodendrons root easily in water. Other plants, including many woody plants such as hibiscus and citrus will not root well in water. They usual rot before rooting.
In gardening, the "3-year rule" is a common guideline describing the three-stage establishment cycle of new perennial plants, shrubs, and trees. It states: "The first year they sleep, the second year they creep, and the third year they leap."
Bill Gates argued against relying on planting trees as a primary solution to climate change, calling the idea "complete nonsense". He believes tree planting is insufficient, unproven at scale, and distraction from necessary technological solutions like direct air capture, arguing that emissions reduction requires fundamental industrial changes rather than relying on reforestation.
🌱 On top of fighting bacteria and fungus around the clock, diluting your propagation water with hydrogen peroxide also works to release oxygen, helping roots grow stronger. *Adjust the amount added depending on the size of your propagation.
You can use common household items like cinnamon, raw honey, aloe vera, or willow water to help your cuttings propagate. While these don't contain synthetic growth hormones, they protect cuttings from disease, provide moisture, and promote healthy root development.
No, baking soda is generally not recommended as a rooting agent. While viral gardening videos often suggest using a mix of baking soda, sugar, and vinegar to stimulate roots, there is no scientific evidence that baking soda promotes root growth.
The most effective homemade rooting hormones are Willow Water and raw Honey. Willow branches contain natural auxins that stimulate cell division and root growth, while honey acts as a mild antibacterial agent that protects cuttings while they develop.