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Natural rooting hormones is one of the most reliable but inexpensive ways to increase the success rate of growing succulents from leaves or cuttings, especially those that are difficult to propagate. Not only that, but they also encourage faster and stronger root development, and at the same time, help protect the leaves or cuttings from fungus and diseases that may have been introduced during the process.
But how can you effectively use natural rooting hormones in propagating succulents, and what are the most recommended ones? Read on to discover more!
Although synthetic hormones are very effective to use for succulent propagation as it helps stimulate root growth, there are some risks that you should be aware of when using one, especially to your health, like eye and skin irritation, and upper respiratory tract irritation.
So if you want to be environmentally friendly and reduce any health risks involved as well, then using a natural rooting hormone is a great alternative,
1. Honey is one of the well-known natural rooting hormones. It consists of antibacterial that keeps the cuttings from any bacterial or fungus issues, which definitely helps the roots to thrive even more.
To use honey as a rooting hormone, you have to boil 2 cups of water then add 1 tablespoon of honey. Once the mixture has cooled down, store it in an airtight container (like a canning or mason jar) and place it somewhere away from light for about 2 weeks before using it.
2. Cinnamon powder as a rooting hormone works the same way as honey. It also has anti-fungal properties, which give cuttings some protection from any fungal issues that most likely cause damping-off disease, and at the same time, help stimulate root growth to your cuttings.
To use cinnamon as a rooting agent, you need to pour 1 spoonful of cinnamon powder onto a paper towel, then roll damp stem ends in the cinnamon.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar, or also called ACV, has over 30 elements that are very beneficial to plant growth. However, ACV is also known to kill plants when used incorrectly, so make sure to use it moderately.
To use apple cider vinegar as a root enhancer when propagating succulents, you'll have to mix 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into 1 gallon of water, then dip your cuttings in it before transferring them to the rooting medium.
Step 1: Prepare your Leaves or Cuttings
You can either get healthy leaves from the mother plant (the ones that look full and plump) by gently twisting them off from the stem using your thumb and forefinger, or snip some healthy and young stems (about 6-inches to 12-inches long) from the mother plant with a clean sharp knife or a pair of scissors.
Step 2: Leave them to dry out
Allow the leaves or cuttings to dry out for 2 to 3 days in a spot away from direct sunlight.
Step 3: Rooting Hormone Application
Once your leaf or stem cuttings have dried out, you can now dip their tips directly into the honey or apple cider vinegar. Or fully coat the cut ends of your leaf or stem cuttings on all sides using cinnamon powder. You just have to make sure that the tips of your cuttings are a little wet (not soak), so the cinnamon can stick to it.
Step 4: Rooting Time
Once you have your leaves or cuttings nicely coated, lay them on top of a well-draining potting soil.
Lay your nicely coated succulent leaves or cuttings on top of a well-draining potting soil.
While waiting for your leaves or cuttings to root, make sure to place them away from direct sunlight or in a partially shaded area, as exposing them to direct sunlight could cause them to dry out completely and die.
Although the rooting time usually depends on the type of succulent you are trying to propagate, the climate, and the season, it will normally take about 2 to 3 weeks to see new roots appearing from the cuts.
Step 5: Transplanting Time
Once a new baby plant has emerged from your leaves or cuttings, it's now time to plant them in their own pot or container filled with well-draining soil.
Once you are done potting them, you can now place your new baby succulent in a sunny area. Don't forget to give them a good drink of water once every 2 to 3 weeks or whenever the soil feels completely dry.
Check out this quick video to see 4 mistake to avoid when propagating succulents
Check out this quick video to see how to propagate succulents in water
You can check out our other articles on succulent propagation as follows:
For Types of Succulents Careguide. Read more information here.
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