Rooting Hormones for Cannabis: What Are They And How To Use Them

When it comes to cloning cannabis, success lies in the roots — literally. Rooting hormones are the secret sauce (again, literally) to transforming your cuttings into healthy, thriving plants. 

Whether you’re a large-scale grower or a hobbyist experimenting at home, the right rooting hormone can make all the difference. In this guide, learn what rooting hormones are, their various types, and how you can use them to supercharge your cannabis clones.

What are Rooting Hormones?

Rooting hormones, often called root juice, are what you need for faster, healthier root growth. These are basically a mix of auxins (natural plant growth hormones), enzymes, and vitamins that give your cannabis cuttings the boost they need to transform into good plants.

When you’re cloning cannabis, it all boils down to the auxin-to-cytokinin ratio. This balance kicks the plant into gear, helping the cutting shift from producing stem cells to focusing on root-cell development. 

In simple terms? Rooting hormones tell your plant it’s time to start growing roots.

Rooting hormones are a game-changer if you want to clone cannabis. They not only speed up the rooting process but also improve the overall size and quality of the plants. So, if you’re looking to create a healthy root system, these hormones are your best bet.

What’s more, using rooting hormones isn’t rocket science — it’s pretty straightforward. Once you’ve selected and cut a branch for cloning, apply the rooting hormone generously to the cut end before planting it. More on this later. 

Types of Rooting Hormones

Rooting hormones aren’t absolutely necessary — the clones will develop roots even if you don't use them; however, they play an important role by gently prodding the clones to develop roots as fast as possible. In essence, these rooting hormones make cloning a lot more successful. There are two types of these hormones: One is natural and the other is synthetic.

Natural Vs. Synthetic Hormones

Natural Rooting Hormones for Cannabis

Natural rooting hormones come from organic and sustainable sources, so growers who prefer to grow organic marijuana favor them. These produce plant growth regulators which are similar to the plant itself such as auxins. It includes mainly IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) and salicylic acid.

Natural rooting hormones are useful for improving the chances of a cutting to root by stimulating root cell division and elongation without the use of synthetic chemicals. 

If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly, budget-conscious way to help your cannabis cuttings thrive, natural rooting hormones are a great alternative to store-bought options. While some commercial products are tailored for cannabis, they can also be loaded with chemicals or additives that might not sit well with your plants — or your conscience.

The good news? You can whip up some effective, natural rooting solutions right at home! Let’s dive into a few tried-and-true options that are not just gentle on your plants but also on your wallet.

• Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel contains enzymes, vitamins, and hormones that encourage the cutting’s root growth while protecting it from stress and diseases. To use it, take a fresh aloe leaf cut and extract the aloe gel using a spoon. Rub the gel at the base of the cutting. Aloe can also be mixed with water to form a rooting solution.

• Willow Water

Willow water is a classic choice that has been used for generations. This natural rooting hormone is rich in indolebutyric acid — a compound that stimulates root growth. 

To make willow water, gather a few young willow branches, chop them into small pieces, and soak them in boiling water for a day. Once steeped, the solution is ready to use — just soak your cannabis cuttings in it for a few hours before planting.

• Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, though not as well-known, can also work wonders as a rooting hormone. However, it’s crucial to dilute it properly since it’s highly acidic. 

All you need to do is mix a teaspoon of vinegar into six cups of water, stir well, and dip your cuttings into the solution before planting them. This creates a balanced environment that promotes root growth and deters pathogens.

• Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a surprising yet effective option. While it’s not technically a rooting compound, its antifungal properties protect your cuttings from harmful pathogens, creating the perfect environment for root growth. 

All you need to do is coat the base of your cutting with a little cinnamon powder before planting it into your growing medium. This simple step can make a big difference in keeping your cuttings healthy and free of infections.

• Honey

Honey is another fantastic natural rooting hormone. Packed with vitamins, enzymes, and natural antifungal properties, honey accelerates root development while shielding the cutting from harmful bacteria. 

Simply dip the base of your cutting into honey and plant it. It’s an easy, old-school method that delivers consistent results.

These natural alternatives are not only effective but also easy to prepare, making them ideal if you want to keep your cannabis growing process organic and cost-effective. 

Advantages of Natural Rooting Hormones

• Eco-friendly and sustainable

Natural rooting agents are an eco-friendly choice for synthetic rooting chemicals as they are renewable and bio-degradable. They help the environment all while supporting eco-friendly farming methods.

• Good for growing using organic methods

Natural rooting hormones are in accordance with organic farming practices and are the best option for growers who wish to go organic and/or avoid chemicals.

• It is simple and secure

We can prepare various natural rooting hormones at home using materials as simple as willow branches, aloe vera leaves, and honey. These are also non-toxic which decreases the danger to the grower and the environment.

Cons of Natural Rooting Agents

• May have inconsistent results

Natural rooting hormones can vary in strength, which means that the same hormone from a different source or preparation might not work.

• Limited shelf life

Most natural rooting hormones don't last long like synthetic ones do. Thus, you should use willow water and aloe vera gel promptly to maintain their effectiveness. The same applies to solutions you make from them. 

• Not as strong as the man-made options

Using natural rooting hormones might work, but they are not as concentrated as synthetic ones. This can lead to slower rooting times or lower success rates, especially with harder-to-root cannabis strains.

Organic rooting hormones are perfect for any grower who loves to grow organically. Although they may give inconsistent results compared to synthetic products, they are a safer and more sustainable way to help the roots grow. 

Synthetic Rooting Hormones for Cannabis

Rooting hormones are man-made to give guaranteed and precise results. They have strong plant growth hormones like auxins that cause and increase root growth. Whether you have a commercial operation or just doing it as a hobby, these hormones are reliable and effective and are therefore widely adopted.

Common Synthetic Hormones

1. Indole-3-butyric Acid (IBA)

An auxin widely used in cloning products, IBA is available in powder, gel, and liquid forms. This helps the cells of the root to grow and elongate rapidly which in turn makes the root stronger.

2. Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA)

Often mixed with IBA to make it better. It is especially effective in inducing root growth in difficult cuttings.

3. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D)

This is commonly used in agricultural applications but rarely used in cloning cannabis.

Benefits of Synthetic Rooting Hormones

• Very efficient and gives the same results each time even for hard-to root-cannabis strains. 
• Synthetic products last longer, making them easy to use for longer periods.
• Available in many forms as powder, gel, and liquid as per choice of application.

Disadvantages of Synthetic Rooting Hormones

• May not be suitable for those looking to grow their plants in an organic and sustainable manner. 
• Excessive use of the product or improper handling may cause chemical toxicity that harms either the plant or the grower. 
• Synthetic hormones should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions so that you won’t overuse them. 

Natural rooting hormone and synthetic rooting hormone will have their pros and cons. Although natural ones are best for growers who prefer sustainability and organic growing, synthetic hormones offer the highest efficiency and consistency for large-scale or precision growers. Ultimately, it depends on your goals, methods, and priorities, so choose whatever works for you. 

Forms of Rooting Hormones

When it comes to rooting hormones for your cannabis, you’ve got three main options: powder, liquid, and gel-based formulations. Each has its own perks and quirks, so let’s check them out.

• Powder Hormones

Powder rooting hormones are the go-to choice for large-scale cannabis operations. Why? They have an impressively long shelf life and require just a pinch to work. These powders create a thick, even coating of root-boosting chemicals on the cutting, making them ideal for commercial growers.

• Liquid Hormones

Next up are liquid rooting hormones, which are versatile and adaptable, making them a crowd-pleaser among cannabis growers. Whether you’re working with rockwool cubes or peat pellets, this type of hormone can be customized to suit your setup.

• Gel-Based Hormones

If you’re a hobbyist growing a few plants in your home, gel rooting hormones are your new best friend. They’re easy to use, super effective, and perfect for smaller setups.

The best part? The gel sticks to the cutting like glue, ensuring better coverage and a higher chance of successful rooting. Simply dip the cutting into the gel and plant it directly into your growing medium.

Each type of rooting hormone has its niche. Whether you’re running a massive grow op or just tinkering with a few plants, there’s a rooting hormone that’ll get the job done. Choose the one that fits your style, and watch your cannabis cuttings thrive!

How to Use Rooting Hormones?

So, you’re ready to get into rooting hormones and turn those cuttings into sturdy cannabis plants? Let’s break it down step by step. Remember, while the exact technique can vary depending on the plant or type of rooting hormone, these basic tips will get you off to a solid start.

• Start with Healthy Cuttings

Grab a fresh, healthy stem cutting from a mother plant. Use a sharp, clean knife to avoid contamination — you don’t want any sneaky bacteria ruining your efforts. Always pick a vigorous and healthy mother plant since your clones will inherit its genetics.

Look for a growing tip that’s three to eight inches long. Snip the top few inches near a node and trim away any flowers or leaves. A clean, sharp cut ensures your cutting is ready to root without stress.

• Apply the Rooting Hormone

Now comes the main part — applying the rooting hormone. If you’re using a gel (the easiest option), pour a small amount into a separate dish to avoid contaminating the entire bottle.

Dip the exposed stem into the rooting gel, but only to the depth where the cutting will be planted. There’s no need to slather it higher up — it won’t help and just wastes the product.

• Plant Your Cutting

Once the cutting is coated with rooting hormone, it’s planting time. You can use a cloning machine for optimal results or go old-school and plant directly into a soilless potting medium.

If you’re skipping the cloning machine, prep your medium by poking a small hole with a pencil or similar tool. This prevents the rooting hormone from being wiped off as you insert the cutting. 

• Let There Be (Some) Light

Your cutting will need light, but not the blazing intensity of a full-grown light. A simple T5 fixture or a low-wattage LED will do the trick. Think of it as a cozy nightlight to guide your cutting into its new life.

By following these steps, you’re setting the stage for your cannabis cuttings to develop strong, healthy roots. Whether you’re using gel, powder, or liquid, the key is attention to detail and a little TLC. 

How do Rooting Hormones Work?

Rooting hormones can help a great deal with propagation. They give cannabis cuttings the best chance of developing roots. When you take cuttings, cannabis needs to grow new roots to stay alive and grow after it is cut. Rooting hormones speed up and enhance this process by imitating or enhancing the action of the natural plant hormones that stimulate rooting. 

How Roots Grow: The Science

Plant hormones or auxins are the hormones that regulate root formation in plants. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is the chief natural auxin. The plant has these hormones naturally. They build up at the place of cutting, instructing the cell to differentiate and form roots. Despite that, the natural auxins in the plant may be insufficient or inefficient in strains that are difficult to root. 

Rooting hormones, whether natural or synthetic, enhance this process by adding auxins or providing synthetic substitutes. These target the base of the cutting’s stem and will also stimulate:

1. Hormones at the base of the cutting cause cells to divide rapidly, forming a callus (mass of undifferentiated cells).
2. The callus cells will elongate and differentiate into specialized root tissues during cell elongation.
3. Small roots, or root primordia, begin to grow out of the base of the stem.
4. The root primordia can develop into fully functioning roots and also take up nutrients and water. 

Key Ingredients in Rooting Hormones

1. Auxins (Natural or Synthetic)

• Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA): Encourages stable and vigorous root development.
• Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA): It is generally used with IBA.
• Indole-3-acetic acid: You can find it in natural options such as willow water; however, synthetic forms are more stable than natural ones.

Additional Compounds

• Some products contain fungicides that protect the cutting from infection.
• Nutrients and vitamins can be added to support the cutting during the initial rooting stage.

Benefits Of Using Rooting Hormones for Cannabis

Using rooting hormones helps make cannabis clones faster and healthier. They do this by mimicking natural plant hormones that are important for root formation. Additionally, rooting hormones also increase the success rate of propagation, so you won't waste your time trying to clone plants that may fail later. 

Here are the main advantages:

1. Faster root development

Rooting hormones are essential in speeding up the rooting process for cannabis cuttings, ensuring that the cuttings develop a functional root system in much less time. Fast root growth is especially useful for commercial growers or people growing cannabis in large quantities where speed is critical.

This is important because cuttings that lack roots are susceptible to drying out and losing nutrients as they cannot take anything in from their environment. When roots grow faster, cuttings will take less time to become self-sufficient. This also limits exposure to germs that cause rotting or disease in unrooted cuttings.

2. Streamlines cloning operations

When the cuttings develop roots quickly, growers can rotate crops rapidly without wasting time between cloning cycles. This is perfect for continuous harvesting systems when delicate plants are moved to the growing or flowering area. 

3. Boosts productivity

Growers can get more plants in a shorter time, which enhances yield potential. Efficiency is important for small-scale home growers and for large-scale commercial operations who want to meet market demands.

4. Higher chances of success rate

Rooting hormones help cannabis clones grow roots. In particular, they can help a strain develop roots even if it’s hard to propagate. This is useful even when the environmental conditions aren’t ideal for plant growth. These hormones help develop stronger roots so that a higher percentage of clones can survive. Growers who want to maintain their high production standards or consistency will find this useful.

In other words, using rooted hormones leads to fewer failures and wasted attempts. If you’re into cloning more than growing seeds, a rooting hormone is simply your best friend because you can also save money by avoiding the cost of getting more cuttings. 

5. Increased overall efficiency

The improved success rate of cloning will yield greater returns and faster production in commercial cannabis operations. Faster transitions between phases of growth will get more plants growing at the right time. As root growth speeds up and cloning rates go up, companies can better manage their resources and supplies.

6. Important to maintain genetic consistency

Cloning is a technique used to keep high-quality genetics alive. When you clone a plant, the new plant is identical to the old plant you took in the beginning. Rooting hormones help cloning work better and it is easier to keep these genetics over multiple harvests. 

It is essential for growers of high-value cannabis strains to maintain genetic consistency. This helps in producing the same effective, potent yield, flavor, or resistance to any pest, thus making the process much easier with these cuttings and seeds.

7. Helps cuttings that have low auxin levels

Certain cannabis strains, especially those with bad cloning genetics and those predisposed to low auxin, may have trouble rooting naturally. Rooting hormones counter this by providing the auxins needed for proper root cell division and elongation, which gives these cuttings a far greater chance of success.

8. Protection from pathogens

Some rooting hormones sold commercially contain other ingredients like fungicides or antimicrobial substances to protect cuttings from infection.

Clones frequently face exposure to moisture and fungal spores and even rot or disease in the cutting before the roots get established. The added insurance these compounds offer ensures that the cutting has its best chance for survival until roots can grow while cutting down the likelihood of diseases in those early days.

To sum it up, rooting hormones help initiate rooting. In fact, they are essential for enhancing a healthy root system that grows vigorously as well as improving resistance to environmental stresses and supporting nutrient uptake. Having a good root system is essential for plants that will withstand challenges and continue to grow through the cycle.

Some Factors to Consider When Using Rooting Hormones

Selecting the right rooting hormone for your cannabis plants isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. A few critical factors can influence how well a product performs and its compatibility with your setup. Here are a few of them.

1. Hormone Concentration

The concentration of rooting hormones in a product is a significant factor. Cannabis cuttings need just the right amount of hormonal stimulation — too little may be ineffective, while too much can harm the plant. 

Look for products specifically formulated for cannabis or those with concentrations that match the needs of this plant during its rooting stage. In any case, natural hormones come out on top here because you don’t have to worry about the concentration much. 

2. Cannabis Strain Compatibility

Different cannabis strains react differently to rooting hormones. For instance, it might be super easy to clone some strains but just as difficult with other strains. Rooting hormones are made for such finicky strains that will benefit greatly from them. The roots will grow faster, which means the yields will also be higher. 

Also, consider hormonal sensitivity. Some cannabis strains may really not appreciate the rooting hormones as they may be sensitive to them. For example, some strains may do well with synthetic hormones while others may prefer natural hormones like willow water. 

Also, keep in mind that while indica strains are somewhat easier to clone, sativas may be stubborn and may not respond well. For such strains, rooting hormones may be the answer. 

3. Growing Medium and Environmental Conditions

The type of setup you use and the environmental conditions around you also matter when determining the best rooting hormone for your plants. 

For instance, soil-based plants may like gels and powders while liquid rooting hormones may suit hydroponic plants a lot more. In addition, the temperature and humidity also play a role in the process and help the clones develop roots faster. When the weather is warm and humid, aloe vera may work as an excellent rooting hormone whereas synthetic hormones may work well when the weather is cooler. 

If you’re cloning in a controlled environment, like a cloning dome or humidity chamber, you may be able to use many more types of rooting hormones. But, outside in nature, using natural hormones may be better. 

4. Compatibility with Other Nutrients

Certain rooting hormones may not play well with other products in your grow room, like fertilizers or pest control agents. Always check product labels and, if possible, test compatibility on a smaller clone before using them across your entire crop.

5. Learn From Others’ Mistakes

Learning from the experiences of seasoned growers can save you time and frustration. Look for reviews, forums, or even advice from local growers to find products that have a proven track record with cannabis. 

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to select the best rooting hormone for your cannabis plants and set your clones up for healthy growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it safe to use natural rooting hormones?

Yes, natural rooting hormones are typically safe for organic growing practices. Several organic growers use natural rooting hormones like willow water, aloe vera, or honey. These substances are all-natural and aren’t harmful to the environment. In addition, they mimic the plant’s own growth regulators and do not have any synthetic chemicals; therefore, they are compatible with organic farming practices.

However, synthetic rooting hormones are produced by chemical processes and cannot be deemed suitable for organic growing. These products have concentrated plant growth regulators that are effective but may not meet organic certification depending on local regulations. If you want to go organic, make use of natural options or make sure any synthetic rooting hormone is approved for use in organic production.

2. Can rooting hormones be overused?

Yes, synthetic ones can be overused. Using rooting hormones helps roots to grow, but it can affect the roots adversely if you use too much. Not only do the plants produce too many roots (which isn’t always a good thing) but it also results in malformations and an unequal imbalance between root and shoot production.

Frequent use of rooting hormones can cause toxicity which harms the health of the plant and kill the cutting. Synthetic hormones, especially, are very powerful, and excessive use can interfere with natural growth.

When the plant is getting too much rooting hormone, it might disturb the balance of other hormones and processes inside the plant. For example, it might stop flowering. Then the plant may not produce buds. 

To prevent overusing, follow the directions on the product label, and use the right amount. Usually, a low concentration is sufficient to induce roots.

3. What happens if you don’t use rooting hormones?

The strain, environment, and health of the cutting can produce different results when you don’t use rooting hormones. As you already know, rooting hormones help the cuttings develop roots faster but if you don’t use rooting hormones, they will take longer to root. 

In short, rooting hormones improve the chances of successful cloning so you won't have to try it with many cuttings. Thus, if you don’t use it, the cloning success rate may lower, especially for strains that are hard to clone and with minimum levels of natural auxins.

In addition, your cuttings could be more vulnerable to infections like mold or fungus if you don’t use rooting hormones. Most rooting hormones contain antimicrobial agents that can prevent infection. 

Finally, even if your cuttings develop roots, they may not be as strong or as extensive as cuttings that use hormones. Once the plant is established, it can impact the overall health and growth of plants.

So, rooting hormones are not necessary but they will help your cutting form a proper set of roots and support a healthy plant quicker.

Summary: Rooting Hormones for Cannabis: What Are They And How To Use Them

You can’t rush perfection, but with rooting hormones, you can certainly speed things up. Whether you’re going natural with cinnamon and honey or opting for a store-bought gel, rooting hormones are your trusty sidekick in the cloning game. 

With the right techniques, a pinch of rooting hormone, and a little patience, you’ll soon have a garden full of root-heavy cannabis clones. Remember, good roots mean great buds. Also, it's not mandatory to use rooting hormones, but you will be more successful with that, so start cloning your beautiful cannabis plants today!