The first step of plant cloning is to ensure rooting hormones are in place. For that, you will need rooting powders. The Role of Rooting Powders Before you cut the clones from mother plants, note that rooting hormones are critical for the process. Your clone must have the right proportion...
The first step of plant cloning is to ensure rooting hormones are in place. For that, you will need rooting powders.
The Role of Rooting Powders
Before you cut the clones from mother plants, note that rooting hormones are critical for the process. Your clone must have the right proportion of hormones so that it can move toward the rooting process. To boost the rooting hormones, many growers take the help of rooting powders.
When you apply rooting powder to your clone, you not only aid the rooting process but also seal the cut area. When applying it to the clone, you have to be generous, as most of the powder will fall off. Make sure your clone is perfectly coated before you place it in the cloning machine or propagation tray.
Please note that it is not mandatory to use rooting powder on cuttings. It is definitely not as necessary as a cloning and rooting gel. Without applying the powder, the process will be slow, but it will not stop.
Rooting powder contains plant hormones (auxins) that stimulate root growth on cuttings. When you take a cutting from a mother plant, applying rooting powder to the cut end encourages it to develop its own root system much faster and more reliably than it would on its own.
What's the difference between rooting powder, gel, and liquid solution?
All three contain rooting hormones, but differ in application. Powders are easy to use and less prone to contamination. Gels provide a complete seal around the cutting, which can help prevent embolism. Liquids are often used for soaking and can be diluted to different strengths. The choice often comes down to grower preference.
How do I apply rooting powder to my cuttings for the best results?
First, take a healthy cutting from a mother plant. Then, dip the cut end in a small amount of rooting powder, ensuring the bottom half-inch is evenly coated. Gently tap off any excess powder and plant the cutting in a starter plug or rooting medium.
