Rooting tonics, also called rooting hormones or rooting compounds, are products that contain plant growth hormones used to stimulate root growth during plant propagation. [1] Many commercially-sold rooting products contain a synthetic form of indolebutyric acid. If you have access to a willow tree or shrub, you can easily make your own rooting tonic, because indolebutyric acid occurs naturally in all varieties of willow trees.

Pour the liquid into glass containers with lids that close securely and discard the pieces of willow. You can store the tonic in the refrigerator for up to two months.

Don't do a reduction. The long boil might break down the active ingredients. Instead, if you are going to use the solution quickly, you can use flour to thicken it. Don't use corn starch or gelatin. In the last five minutes of boiling, add a flour and cold water paste, which has been stirred smooth. Start with a cup of flour and add cold water until you reach the desired thickness. Once the solution cools, it will thicken a bit more. Homemade gelling agents are food-based and will grow mold, fungus, etc, once you add soil unless you use a preservative.

Wheat can also be used for cutting. For example with pelargonium. Split the end of the rod and put a grain of wheat and put in the water. The seed will germinate and stimulate the production of roots on cuttings.

Some people have reported success using aspirin as a rooting tonic. To try this method, dissolve an uncoated aspirin in 1 cup of water, then soak the cut end of the plant in the water for several hours before planting.

Honey may also be helpful as a rooting agent. Dip the cut end of the plant in the honey and then put it in the soil immediately. Alternately, you can boil 2 cups of water, add 1 tablespoon honey, and soak the end of the plant for several hours before putting it in the soil.

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