The two main nutrients that support excellent root growth in plants are phosphorous and potassium. These two ingredients are extremely helpful in any fertilizer mix that needs to encourage a thick, healthy collection of brand-new roots, or to strengthen and stimulate existing systems.
Roots are dynamic and their growth is strongly affected by the environmental conditions found in the root zone. To survive and grow, they need Air (gas exchange), Water, Non-limiting Temperature, Carbohydrates, Minerals, Space, Low Soil Density, Microbial Associations and Non-toxic soil chemistry.
Add a Pothos! I'd heard of using willow as a natural rooting hormone, but didn't know Pothos has this 'super power' too. Just pop a Pothos cutting in with the water with your slow-to-grow cuttings and it helps speed up root development.
Auxin, a naturally occurring plant hormone, stimulates root formation. Several synthetic forms of auxin are sold as “rooting hormone.” Though some plants will root readily without treatment, application of rooting hormone to the base of the cutting will often improve your chance for success.
For plant roots to grow faster, it requires nutrients, sufficient water, well-aerated soil, enough light, the right range of temperature and proper amendments. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the three essential nutrients that a plant requires for its growth.
Similarly, cinnamon also does not contain any rooting hormones. Cinnamon has some antimicrobial properties so it might help prevent bacterial growth that could harm your cutting. But it will not help your cuttings to create roots.
They'll root faster with plenty of sunlight, but avoid setting them in direct sun. Temperature is also important, the warmer the better to speed things up. For cuttings that are more valuable or difficult, adding a little aquarium pump to oxygenate the water will help a lot. Roots need the extra oxygen to grow well.
The best nutrients for root growth are potassium (K) and phosphorus (P). A plant with access to plenty of both will be able to create and maintain dense root networks that support its growth and development.
Calcium (Ca)
Calcium is essential for root health, growth of new roots and root hairs, and the development of leaves.
What is root stimulator? It sounds like a fertilizer but isn't quite the same. It's a hormone (auxin) that is produced by young plants when they are forming their root systems. Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) is the naturally occurring form of auxin found in plants.
To use your homemade rooting hormone, dip the bottom of the cutting in the solution before “sticking” the cutting in rooting medium. Using apple cider vinegar as rooting hormone is a great way to give your cuttings that extra jump they need to grow roots.
Natural Fertilizers
Epsom salt promotes deep root growth for plants so during times of drought or little rainfall, Epsom salt plants will have deep roots to seek out moisture and nutrients. Plants with deep roots thrive when other plants with shallow roots shrivel up and die if water is not constantly provide to them.
In the early days of your plant's development, humidity is key. Whether it's seeds or clones, you want a high level of humidity and temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit to promote rapid root growth.
'One method is to sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon directly onto the soil around the base of your plants,' says Diana. This is probably the most simple way to apply the spice, but you'll need to make sure you avoid contaminating the base of particular plants that can be damaged by cinnamon (more on this later).
All in all, everyone has their preferences when it comes to rooting hormones, so we've listed our favorite product for each type. So, our favorite rooting gel is Clonex by HydroDynamics, while our favorite rooting powder is Hormex Rooting Powder. The Hormex B1 liquid concentrate came out on top of the liquids.
If these items are of organic nature, that can also be your organic rooting hormone. Here is my favorite shortlist: banana peels are high in potassium. coffee grounds contain potassium and nitrogen.
Your own human saliva has enzymes that can help your houseplant roots grow. In fact, some gardening experts believe that the best natural rooting hormone for houseplants is saliva. Yes, that's even over cinnamon, willow water, or apple cider vinegar.
It can help to disinfect growing mediums, fight fungal infections, boost root development, and repel insects. The way it works is that hydrogen peroxide kills the bacteria that causes root rot in plants and breaks down into the soil mix to release extra oxygen atoms to encourage the growth of healthy, new roots.