Many plants can be easily propagated from cuttings. The use of rooting powder can be helpful, as it shortens the rooting process and supports the seedling in quickly developing strong roots. If you would like to do without chemical preparations that can be purchased, you can use various natural remedies that can achieve the same results.
What natural alternatives are there for rooting powder?
Willow water, apple cider vinegar, honey, aspirin, aloe vera juice and yeast are suitable natural alternatives to rooting powder. These home remedies support the rooting of cuttings and can be made or purchased inexpensively.
Following remedies have proven themselves:
- Willow water,
- Apple cider vinegar,
- Honey,
- Aspirin,
- Aloe vera juice,
- Yeast.
All of these preparations are available in the home anyway or can be made inexpensively yourself.
Willow Water
Willow twigs contain large amounts of auxins, which have a positive effect on cell division. Willow water is produced as follows:
- Cut fresh, young willow branches that are no more than pencil-thick and cut into pieces about ten centimeters long.
- Boil 3 liters of water in a large pot and add the twigs.
- Let it steep for a day.
- Strain into clean glass bottles.
- The mixture will keep for about two months if stored in a cool place.
- To use, pour into a vase and place the cuttings in it for a few hours.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Add a teaspoon of vinegar to a liter of water and briefly dip the cuttings into the solution. This prevents the formation of fungi and supports the plant in root formation.
Honey
Honey is rich in vitamins and contains enzymes that can stimulate root growth. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Dissolve one to two teaspoons of honey in one liter of warm water. Place the cuttings in the liquid for half a day and then plant the seedlings.
Aspirin
Like willow branches, the tablets contain salicylic acid, but not phytohormones. Therefore, the young plants are only strengthened and there is a certain protection against possible pathogens.
It is important that you only use uncoated tablets. Add a pill to a glass of water and wait for the drug to completely dissolve. Place the plants to be rooted in the aspirin water for a few hours and then place the seedlings in a vase with clear water.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe juice is known for its antiseptic and healing properties, which you can take advantage of during root formation. Add a tablespoon of pure aloe vera juice to a vase filled with water. Place the cuttings in and let them root in the aloe water. The seedlings form strong roots within about a week and can be transplanted into soil.
Yeast
Dissolve 100 grams of dry yeast in warm water and place the cuttings in the solution for a few hours. The yeast contains substances that accelerate root formation.
Tip
For cuttings that have difficulty forming roots, you can use potatoes as a root activator. First remove any germs from the tuber, drill a hole and insert the cutting into it. The seedling buried along with the potato begins to grow roots within two weeks.
