|
|
How to Make Your Own Rooting
Hormone
by Marilyn Pokorney
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 an indication 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
About the author
Marilyn Pokorney is a freelance writer of science, nature, animals and
the environment. She also loves crafts, gardening, and reading. Visit
her website:
www.apluswriting.net
|
|
