Natural Rooting Aids
With cuttings and offshoots, you can quickly multiply a single plant into many—often with very little effort. Some species sprout new roots especially quickly and easily, while others require a bit more patience. To help your green project succeed, we present clever rooting aids that can significantly increase your chances of successful plant propagation.
Whether you want to simply multiply your favorite plant, surprise your friends with homegrown offshoots, or expand your urban jungle: with the right tips and tricks, propagation becomes a true experience.
Natural Rooting Aids
There are numerous systems and home remedies that can be used as rooting aids for cuttings. In addition to potatoes and classic willow water, many natural alternatives are available that either directly stimulate root growth or protect cuttings from disease:
Willow Water
Contains natural growth hormones (auxins) that promote root growth. Cuttings are placed in willow water for several hours up to a day before planting.
Cinnamon
Has strong antifungal properties. The cut surface of the cutting is simply dipped in cinnamon powder to prevent fungal infestation and support healthy root formation.
Honey
Acts as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. Some enzymes in honey can promote root growth. The cut surface can be coated with honey or the cutting placed in honey water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Briefly dipping the cut surface in a diluted solution (e.g., 1 tsp per 1 liter of water) kills fungi, but should only be used briefly, as vinegar can also harm the plant.
Yeast
Contains enzymes that stimulate root growth. Cuttings are placed in a solution of dry yeast and water for about 12 hours.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera juice acts antiseptically and promotes root growth through its enzymes. The cut surface can be coated with juice or the cutting placed in an aloe vera solution.
Aspirin
Contains salicylic acid, which inhibits pathogens. One tablet is dissolved in water and the cuttings are placed in it for several hours.
Potatoes
As previously described, potatoes serve as water reservoirs and nutrient suppliers. Cuttings are inserted directly into the potato and planted together.
Summary
Commercial rooting aids are also available in the form of powders and liquids. Various rooting aids can be purposefully combined to take advantage of different methods and increase the success rate of rooting cuttings. The most important considerations and sensible combinations are:
Sensible Combinations of Rooting Aids
Willow Water + Cinnamon or Honey
Willow water provides natural root hormones and promotes root growth. Cinnamon or honey protect the cut surface from fungi and bacteria and additionally support rooting.
Application: Place the cutting in willow water for several hours, then coat the cut surface with cinnamon or honey and plant.
Potato + Rooting Powder
The potato serves as a water reservoir and nutrient supplier. Rooting powder provides targeted root hormones and can accelerate root formation.
Application: After dipping the cutting in rooting powder, insert it into the potato and plant.
Hydrogen Peroxide + Rooting Powder or Willow Water
Hydrogen peroxide disinfects the cut surface and reduces the risk of infection. Rooting powder or willow water promote root formation.
Application: Briefly dip the cutting in a hydrogen peroxide solution, then treat with rooting powder or place in willow water.
Hydroponics (Bubbler) + Auxin (e.g., IBA, NAA)
Hydroponics (cutting bubbler) ensures optimal oxygen supply and moisture. Auxins (e.g., indole-3-butyric acid, IBA) accelerate root formation.
Application: Treat the cutting with auxin and place it in the hydroponic system.
Notes on Combining Methods:
Don’t overdo it: Too many different agents can interfere with each other or even cause harm if overdosed.
Pay attention to dosage: Especially with chemical agents (e.g., apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide), caution is advised, as high concentrations can damage cuttings.
Natural and chemical methods can be combined: For example, the combination of natural willow water and chemical rooting powder works well, as long as the dosage is correct.
Overview: Recommended Combinations
| Combination | Advantages |
| Willow Water + Cinnamon/ Honey | Root growth + protection from infections |
| Potato + Rooting Powder | Nutrients/water + targeted root hormones |
| Hydrogen Peroxide + Powder/Willow | Disinfection + root growth |
| Hydroponics + Auxin | Oxygen/moisture + rapid rooting |
These combinations utilize synergies and significantly increase the chances of successful rooting of cuttings.
Author: Francesco del Orbe
