How to Make Your Own Rooting Hormone

When starting a new plant from a leaf or stem cutting, the cutting will be more likely to form roots and create a new plant if a rooting hormone is used.

While commercial rooting hormone can be used there are organic homemade versions that work as well.

To make rooting hormone soak the yellow-tipped shoots of a weeping willow tree in water. A tea made from the bark of a willow tree is also effective. When using the shoots or bark soak them for 24 hours prior to using.

Some people have found that using honey makes an effective rooting hormone as well.

Leaf cuttings: Any plant with leaves such as African Violet, Geranium etc. can be propagated with leaf cuttings. Using a sharp knife cut off a healthy leaf at the point where it joins the stem. Insert the cut part, called a petiole, into the rooting hormone. Place the end into a small container of light potting soil in which you have made a small hole with a pencil. Making a hole prior to planting assures that the rooting hormone will not be brushed off the cutting when you plant it. Perlite, Vermiculite, and/or water-soaked Sphagnum moss can be added to potting soil to make the soil light. Make sure the leaf is leaning slightly so that the new plants will have plenty of light and not be shaded by the leaf.

Stem cuttings: These are treated just like leaf cuttings except you cut off a stem with several leaves instead of just one leaf. Remove the bottom leaves, leaving a few at the top. Proceed as with the leaf cutting.

In both instances cover the pot with a plastic bag or inverted glass jar. This will keep moisture from evaporating and keep the cutting from wilting. Keep in a warm location with diffused light but out of direct sunlight. When there is indications of growth after about 3 to 6 weeks, transplant the new emerging plant into a new pot of potting soil. Continue to keep a humid environment for about 2 more weeks until active growth begins.

More organic gardening tips and supplies can be found at:

http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/gardensalive.htm

-------------------------------- ----------------------

REQUIREMENTS FOR REPRINT: You have permission to publish this article free of charge in your e-zine, newsletter, ebook, print publication or on your website ONLY if it remains unchanged and you include the copyright and author information (Resource Box) at the end. You may not use this article in any unsolicited commercial email (spam).

You may retrieve this article by:

Autoresponder: rootinghormone@getresponse.com
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net/articles/rootinghormone.txt

Words: 372 including resource box
Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney

Please leave the resource box intact with an active link, and send a courtesy copy of the publication in which the article appears to: marilynp@nctc.net

Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading. Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

---

Metal Outdoor Furniture - Explained

Mention metal patio furniture and you probably think of the... Read More

Greenhouse Buying Guide - Choosing The Right Greenhouse

When choosing a new greenhouse for your garden there are... Read More

Wooden Greenhouses

An important addition to any British back garden, the greenhouse... Read More

Winter Gardening

As the end of summer approaches, unfortunately far too quickly,... Read More

Ladybugs, Ladybugs, Come to My Garden

Ladybugs, also called lady beetles or ladybirds, can be a... Read More

Park Benches

One of the best ways to create a warm and... Read More

Easy Pond and Water Garden Construction

Today's successful water garden usually is designed as an ecosystem... Read More

5 Most Popular Flowers for Your Garden

When planting a garden there are many questions which you... Read More

How to Grow Blueberries

Along with lip-smacking sweetness, flower and foliage are also worthy... Read More

Lawn Disease And What To Do About It

Every lawn, whether new or established, is susceptible to a... Read More

The Indoor Garden: Plants that Clean the Air

There are many reasons for creating an indoor garden ?... Read More

Garden Fencing

I made my very first garden when I was six... Read More

History of the Adirondack Chair

If you were to travel to Blue Mountain Lake, New... Read More

Unique Flowers make a memorable gift!

Think "outside of the box" when sending your next floral... Read More

Earthworm Friends in the Garden

Earthworms are a gardener's best friend.Research has shown that earthworm... Read More

Wooden Garden Furniture

Wooden Garden Furniture can be the ideal solution to various... Read More

A Look at Fall Flower Bulbs

Most people would think of fall as a season when... Read More

Pressure Washing Decks

A beautiful wooden deck, properly maintained, can add greatly to... Read More

Homemade Hummingbird Nectar

HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR RECIPEWe love hummingbirds and love to watch them... Read More

Professional Lawn Watering Techniques - Wireless Sensors for Lawns in Drought Areas

The technnology secrets will help home owners maintain lawns in... Read More

How To Prevent Damping Off

Damping off is the single term used to describe underground,... Read More

Starting Seedlings Indoors

Unless you have access to a greenhouse, or something like... Read More

Basics of Pruning Roses

Pruning your roses does not need to be a dreaded... Read More

Dream Yard

Do you ever dream about what your yard could look... Read More

How to Grow Basil

Today there are sprays, scented candles, plug-ins, and even discs... Read More