Synthetic plant hormones (PGR) are commonly used in a number of different techniques involving plant propagation from cuttings, grafting, micropropagation, and tissue culture.
The propagation of plants by cuttings of fully developed leaves, stems, or roots is performed by gardeners utilizing auxin as a rooting compound applied to the cut surface; the auxins are taken into the plant and promote root initiation. In grafting, auxin promotes callus tissue formation, which joins the surfaces of the graft together. In micropropagation, different PGRs are used to promote multiplication and then rooting of new plantlets. In the tissue-culturing of plant cells, PGRs are used to produce callus growth, multiplication, and rooting.
We can create our own rooting compound
Just as in humans, hormones stimulate various functions in plant growth. The first hormone discovered to cause root growth is called auxin, and the synthetic version of auxin is what we find in commercially sold compounds today.
The willow plant is a natural source of auxin. Therefore, it can be very easy to make up a fresh batch of homemade rooting compound whenever you need to plant some new cuttings.
Gather a handful of willow branch tips
- Chop or mash into smaller pieces
- Fill small container with pieces
- Fill container with water & allow to sit overnight
- Remove willow pieces
- Dip cutting into the water, covering the stem
- Put cutting into your potting mix (or moist sand)
- Cover with a plastic bag to retain moisture
- After roots form, re-pot
Also, don't get rid of the willow water when you're done with your cuttings. Save it to water your plants!
If you don't have access to willow, dissolve a few aspirins in a jar of water. Aspirin is made from willow bark, so it can have the same effect as the willow water.
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