Rooting Hormone for Cannabis Clones: Gel vs. Powder vs. Liquid (Plus 6 DIY Options)

A rooting hormone is a gel, powder or liquid packed with auxins, the plant hormones that trigger new root growth, and it's the fastest way to get cannabis clones to root strong and on time. You dip the freshly cut stem in it before placing it in your growing medium, and the cutting puts out roots sooner and starts pulling up nutrients more efficiently. A healthy, vigorous root system is one of the biggest factors in any successful cannabis grow.

These products, often just called rooting compounds, are a staple for growers who want to get the most health and yield out of their plants.

What is rooting hormone for cannabis plants?

A rooting hormone for cannabis cuttings is any substance that promotes root development. It comes as a gel, liquid or powder and contains growth hormones, vitamins and other helpful compounds. The hormones, mainly auxins, are what kick-start new root growth and build a better root structure.

Rooting hormone matters most when you're working with cannabis clones. Plant scientists generally recognize five types of plant hormones, or phytohormones: auxins, abscisic acid, cytokinins, ethylene and gibberellins. For rooting cannabis cuttings, the key is the ratio of auxins to cytokinins, and auxins are the ones that really drive root development. The two most important natural auxins are indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA).

How to use rooting hormone products

Commercial rooting products are usually built on IBA or on a synthetic auxin like 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Grow shops and online stores carry plenty of cannabis rooting products, each applied a little differently. Here are the three most common forms home growers use.

Rooting powder

Rooting powder is the go-to for commercial and large-scale growers because it has a long shelf life and works well. To use it, just dip the cut end of the stem in the powder right after you make the cut. Most growers pour a little into a bottle cap or small cup so they don't contaminate the whole container. Then set the clone into your growing medium of choice.

Liquid rooting hormone

Liquid rooting hormone is pretty versatile. Some growers dilute a few milliliters in water adjusted to pH 6.0 and soak their rooting medium in it, whether that's coco coir, peat pellets like Jiffys or rockwool cubes, to encourage root growth.

The most common method, though, is dipping the tip of the fresh cutting straight into a capful of rooting liquid for about 5 seconds before sticking it in the medium.

Rooting gel for clones

Rooting gel is probably the most popular option among home growers right now. You use it much like powder or liquid: dip the cutting into a small container of gel. Because it's thick, the gel coats the base and lower stem better, which helps rooting. Dip, then plant the clone in a rooting plug. Easy.

When to use rooting hormone on cannabis

Root development makes or breaks a cannabis clone. There are plenty of techniques and products that help build strong, healthy roots. Here are a few strategies that work well for home growers.

Mixing rooting powder into the soil

A common technique is to mix rooting powder into the growing medium for young plants. That loads the medium with auxins, the hormones that stimulate root development. It works especially well for seedlings and clones in small containers.

Just remember that once plants move into vegetative growth, they'll need to be transplanted into a medium with fewer auxins. Too much of these hormones can hold back stem growth.

Using light doses of liquid rooting hormone

Another popular strategy is adding a few milliliters of liquid rooting hormone to your water right after transplanting. That encourages root growth without building up excess auxins in the medium, which could slow stem development later on.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions

It's tempting to experiment with different methods and products, but stick to the manufacturer's directions for whatever cloning products you choose.

Manufacturers usually spell out the right amounts and how often to use them. If you want to try something new, test it on a few plants first so you can see how it goes without putting your whole crop at risk.

Natural and homemade rooting hormones

Commercial rooting compounds are the standard way to give cannabis clones a healthy start. But with more growers going for top-shelf organic weed, starting plants with homemade, natural rooting aids makes a lot of sense. Here are six DIY options to help your clones put out their first roots.

1. Cinnamon as a natural rooting aid

Cinnamon is better known as an antifungal than as a rooting agent. Still, in a good-quality, well-prepped medium, cuttings will root on their own in time, and cinnamon helps protect them from pathogens while they do.

• Sprinkle a little cinnamon into a small dish.
• Dip the base of the cutting in the cinnamon.
• Plant the clone as usual.

2. Honey

Honey is an old-school rooting trick thanks to its vitamins, helpful enzymes and antifungal, antibacterial properties. Make sure it's pure, raw honey: lots of commercial brands are cut with sugar syrup.

• Pour a little honey into a small dish.
• Dip the base of the cutting in the honey and let the excess drip off.
• Plant the clone as usual.

3. Willow water

Willow water is a traditional rooting aid among gardeners and farmers. Willow naturally contains salicylic acid, and growers credit it with root-promoting compounds as well.

• Cut pencil-thick willow branches, enough to fill about 2 cups. Skip branches that have already fallen.
• Chop the branches into small pieces and put them in a large container.
• Boil 3.7 liters (1 gallon) of water and pour it over the willow pieces.
• Let it steep for at least 12 hours, ideally 24.
• Strain it and store it in glass bottles in the fridge. Willow water keeps for up to 2 months.
• Soak the base of your cuttings in it for several hours before planting.

4. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a succulent that contains salicylic acid, which is thought to stimulate growth. You can also use it to water mature plants and support healthy growth.

• Squeeze the gel from an aloe leaf into a container of clean water and stir well.
• Soak the base of the cuttings in the mix for 24 hours.
• Then press the base of each cutting into the pulp of another piece of aloe.
• Plant the clone as usual.

5. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can work as a rooting tonic, as long as you dilute it enough that it isn't so acidic it damages the cuttings.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into 6 cups (about 1.4 liters) of water.
• Dip the base of the cutting in the diluted mix.
• Plant the clone as usual.

6. Aspirin

Uncoated aspirin contains salicylic acid and can work as a rooting agent.

• Pick up some uncoated aspirin.
• Dissolve one tablet in a glass of water and stir well.
• Soak the base of the cuttings in the mix for several hours.
• Plant the clone as usual.

The bottom line

Homemade, natural rooting compounds aren't just the greener choice; they're also a solid way to get your cannabis clones off to a good start. These simple methods help build healthy roots and set your grow up for success.