Best Rooting Gels and Hormones for Cuttings
A rooting hormone doesn't make a bad cutting root — it speeds up and evens out the ones that would have rooted anyway, which in practice is the difference between a 60% and a 90% strike rate. Gels are the default because they seal the cut and stay put. Powders last longer on the shelf. Solutions suit dipping large batches. All three work; below are the ones we stock, ordered gel → powder → solution, with the concentration and method for each.
Gel vs powder vs solution
| Form | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gel | Most growers, small batches | Seals the cut surface; decant, never dip into the bottle |
| Powder | Long shelf life, woody cuttings | Tap off the excess or it burns |
| Solution / dip | Large batches, commercial | Dilute per label; a quick dip, not a soak |
How to use rooting hormone properly
- Cut at a 45° angle just below a node with a sterile blade.
- Decant a small amount into a separate cup — never dip into the main bottle, you'll contaminate the whole thing.
- Dip, insert into pre-moistened medium immediately, firm around the stem.
- Dome, 75–80°F, 150–300 PPFD, high humidity.
- Don't re-dip. More hormone doesn't mean more roots; excess inhibits rooting.
Powder strength is graded by IBA concentration: #1 (0.1%) for soft herbaceous cuttings, #3 (0.3%) for common garden plants, #8 (0.8%) for semi-hardwood, #16 (1.6%) for difficult hardwood and trees.
What to skip
- Dipping cuttings directly into the product bottle. One contaminated cutting ruins the bottle.
- Honey and cinnamon as a rooting hormone substitute. They're mild antimicrobials, not auxins.
FAQ
Does rooting hormone actually work?
Yes — it raises strike rate and shortens rooting time. It won't rescue a poor cutting.
Gel or powder?
Gel for most people: it seals the cut and stays on the stem. Powder if you want a long shelf life or you're cloning woodier material.
How long does rooting gel last?
1–2 years sealed and stored cool. Decanting rather than dipping is what actually preserves it.
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