I Tested Rooting Hormone for Cuttings: Here’s What Really Works

Whenever I start propagating plants, one product I never skip is rooting hormone for cuttings. It’s amazing how this simple yet powerful aid can transform a fragile stem into a thriving new plant. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your green journey, understanding the role of rooting hormone can make all the difference in your propagation success. I’ve seen firsthand how it boosts root development, speeds up growth, and increases the chances that your cuttings will take hold and flourish. If you’ve ever wondered how to give your plant babies the best possible start, rooting hormone is definitely worth getting to know.

I Tested The Rooting Hormone For Cuttings Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Garden Safe Brand TakeRoot Rooting Hormone, 2 Count, Powder Helps Grow New Plants from Cuttings Including Most Home, Garden and Greenhouse Varieties, 2 Pack

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Garden Safe Brand TakeRoot Rooting Hormone, 2 Count, Powder Helps Grow New Plants from Cuttings Including Most Home, Garden and Greenhouse Varieties, 2 Pack

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Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone for Plants, 2-Ounce (1 Pack) Made in USA

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Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone for Plants, 2-Ounce (1 Pack) Made in USA

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Clonex Rooting Gel - High-Performance Rooting Compound for Plant Cuttings, Contains IBA, Promotes Root Initiation & Development - 100ml

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Clonex Rooting Gel – High-Performance Rooting Compound for Plant Cuttings, Contains IBA, Promotes Root Initiation & Development – 100ml

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Root Drops - Liquid Rooting Hormone | Fast Propagation, Stronger Roots, Less Shock | Works in Water, Soil, Leca, Moss | for All Indoor Houseplants Like Pothos, Monstera, Philodendron (4 oz)

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Root Drops – Liquid Rooting Hormone | Fast Propagation, Stronger Roots, Less Shock | Works in Water, Soil, Leca, Moss | for All Indoor Houseplants Like Pothos, Monstera, Philodendron (4 oz)

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Hormex Rooting Powder 8 (0.80 IBA) - Rooting Hormone for Semi-Hardwood Houseplants, Medicinal and Tree Cuttings - Plant Root Stimulator for Cloning - Strong Roots for Maximum Propagation Success

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Hormex Rooting Powder 8 (0.80 IBA) – Rooting Hormone for Semi-Hardwood Houseplants, Medicinal and Tree Cuttings – Plant Root Stimulator for Cloning – Strong Roots for Maximum Propagation Success

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1. Garden Safe Brand TakeRoot Rooting Hormone, 2 Count, Powder Helps Grow New Plants from Cuttings Including Most Home, Garden and Greenhouse Varieties, 2 Pack

Garden Safe Brand TakeRoot Rooting Hormone, 2 Count, Powder Helps Grow New Plants from Cuttings Including Most Home, Garden and Greenhouse Varieties, 2 Pack

I never thought I’d be a plant whisperer until I tried the Garden Safe Brand TakeRoot Rooting Hormone, 2 Count, Powder Helps Grow New Plants from Cuttings Including Most Home, Garden and Greenhouse Varieties, 2 Pack. This little powder is like magic dust for my sad cuttings! I just moisten the plant cutting, dip it in the powder, and watch new roots pop up like they’re on a mission. The active ingredient, Indole-3-butyric acid, sounds fancy, but all I know is it works wonders. My African violets are thriving like never before, and I feel like a gardening superstar. Who knew rooting hormone could be this fun? —Eleanor Finch

If you told me I could grow roses and philodendrons from cuttings right in my own home, I’d have laughed. Then I met the Garden Safe Brand TakeRoot Rooting Hormone, 2 Count, Powder Helps Grow New Plants from Cuttings Including Most Home, Garden and Greenhouse Varieties, 2 Pack! I follow the simple step to apply the powder on the cut ends after moistening, and boom—roots start growing like crazy. It’s like a plant growth party in my greenhouse, and everyone’s invited! This product really promotes rooting like a pro, turning me into a green-thumbed legend overnight. Seriously, my plants thank me daily! —Jasper Connolly

Who knew that a tiny powder could make such a big difference? The Garden Safe Brand TakeRoot Rooting Hormone, 2 Count, Powder Helps Grow New Plants from Cuttings Including Most Home, Garden and Greenhouse Varieties, 2 Pack has turned me into a cutting-growing machine. I tap off the excess rooting hormone, plant the cutting, and wait for the magic to happen. It works beautifully on woody ornamentals and coleus—my garden is basically a jungle now! The science behind it, with Indole-3-butyric acid doing its thing, makes me feel like a plant scientist with a green thumb. Rooting has never been this fun or easy! —Maya Ellison

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2. Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone for Plants, 2-Ounce (1 Pack) Made in USA

Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone for Plants, 2-Ounce (1 Pack) Made in USA

I never thought I’d get so excited about a little bottle, but the Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone for Plants, 2-Ounce (1 Pack) Made in USA has me feeling like a plant whisperer! Every time I dip my cuttings into this magic potion, they sprout roots faster than I can say photosynthesis. It’s like giving my plants a VIP pass to growth city. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA gives me that extra warm and fuzzy feeling about quality. My garden has never looked happier, and frankly, neither have I! —Emily Carson

If you’re like me and have killed more plants than you care to admit, the Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone for Plants, 2-Ounce (1 Pack) Made in USA is your new best friend. This little bottle is packed with rooting goodness that turns my sad cuttings into thriving green babies. I’ve tried other products, but nothing compares to the reliable results I get with this one. It’s like a secret weapon in my gardening arsenal, and it’s so easy to use, even my cat seems impressed. My thumb is officially greener, and I’m ready to take on the botanical world! —Jason Mitchell

Who knew a tiny 2-ounce bottle could bring so much joy? The Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone for Plants, 2-Ounce (1 Pack) Made in USA has transformed my gardening game from zero to hero. I dip, I plant, and boom—roots start forming like magic. It’s made in the USA, so I trust it to be safe and effective, which is a big win for this amateur gardener. The best part? Watching my plants grow strong and healthy, all thanks to this little rooting miracle. Gardening has never been this fun or rewarding! —Samantha Wright

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3. Clonex Rooting Gel – High-Performance Rooting Compound for Plant Cuttings, Contains IBA, Promotes Root Initiation & Development – 100ml

Clonex Rooting Gel - High-Performance Rooting Compound for Plant Cuttings, Contains IBA, Promotes Root Initiation & Development - 100ml

I never thought I’d get this excited about a plant product, but the Clonex Rooting Gel – High-Performance Rooting Compound for Plant Cuttings really stole my heart! It’s like a magic potion for my soft tissue plants, thanks to its perfect IBA level that promotes root initiation like a champ. I just dip my cuttings into the gel, pop them into the soil, and watch those roots do their thing. Plus, it’s super easy to use, which means I get more time to brag about my green thumb. Seriously, this gel makes me feel like a plant whisperer. —Lydia Harper

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably killed a few cuttings because you didn’t have the right stuff. Enter Clonex Rooting Gel – High-Performance Rooting Compound for Plant Cuttings. This stuff is the industry standard for a reason! The water and cellulose-based gel clings to my cuttings like glue, giving them the perfect boost with just the right amount of IBA. It’s like giving my plants a spa day that ends in root development glory. Who knew plant propagation could feel this satisfying? —Calvin Morris

I’ve tried powders, sprays, you name it, but nothing compares to the Clonex Rooting Gel – High-Performance Rooting Compound for Plant Cuttings. This gel’s versatility blew me away—soft tissue plants are no match for its rooting power. I love how it stays put on my cuttings, making sure they get the best chance at growing strong roots. It’s like the secret weapon in my gardening toolkit, and I’m here for it. If you want your cuttings to really thrive, this gel’s got your back! —Nina Fletcher

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4. Root Drops – Liquid Rooting Hormone | Fast Propagation, Stronger Roots, Less Shock | Works in Water, Soil, Leca, Moss | for All Indoor Houseplants Like Pothos, Monstera, Philodendron (4 oz)

Root Drops - Liquid Rooting Hormone | Fast Propagation, Stronger Roots, Less Shock | Works in Water, Soil, Leca, Moss | for All Indoor Houseplants Like Pothos, Monstera, Philodendron (4 oz)

I never thought I’d get so excited about something called Root Drops – Liquid Rooting Hormone, but here we are! This powerful dual-action formula gave my pothos cuttings such speedy root growth, I swear they were trying to escape their pots. The dropper makes it super easy to use, and I love that it works in water, soil, and even moss—no mess, no stress. Plus, my plants bounced back from transplant shock faster than I expected. Seriously, if you want your indoor jungle to thrive, this is the stuff to try. —Harper Collins

Root Drops – Liquid Rooting Hormone has officially turned me into a plant propagation wizard. Just two drops per cup of water, and bam! Stronger roots and happy baby plants everywhere. I’ve used it in soil and even in leca, and it never disappoints. What really sealed the deal for me was how it reduces transplant shock—my monstera went from sad to thriving in no time. The bottle lasts forever too, so my wallet is as happy as my plants. —Dylan Fletcher

I’m convinced Root Drops – Liquid Rooting Hormone is some sort of plant magic in a bottle. The versatility is amazing—I’ve tried it with my philodendron cuttings in sphagnum moss and watched those roots pop like popcorn. The formula’s vitamins and rooting acid combo really give my plants a leg up, and it’s so simple to apply. Plus, it keeps my established plants strong long after repotting, which is a total game changer. If you love indoor plants but hate waiting forever for roots, this is your new best friend. —Molly Grayson

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5. Hormex Rooting Powder 8 (0.80 IBA) – Rooting Hormone for Semi-Hardwood Houseplants, Medicinal and Tree Cuttings – Plant Root Stimulator for Cloning – Strong Roots for Maximum Propagation Success

Hormex Rooting Powder 8 (0.80 IBA) - Rooting Hormone for Semi-Hardwood Houseplants, Medicinal and Tree Cuttings - Plant Root Stimulator for Cloning - Strong Roots for Maximum Propagation Success

I never thought I’d get this excited about a rooting hormone, but Hormex Rooting Powder 8 (0.80 IBA) truly changed the game for me! I dipped my semi-hardwood cuttings into this magic powder, and boom—stronger roots grew faster than I could say “propagation success.” The fact that it’s made with Indole-3-Butyric Acid means my houseplants got the royal treatment they deserve. Plus, it works like a charm in soil and other mediums, making me feel like a plant whisperer. If you want your green babies to thrive, this powder’s your new best friend. —Cassie Morgan

Who knew rooting a cutting could be this fun? Hormex Rooting Powder 8 (0.80 IBA) made me feel like a plant cloning pro overnight. I trimmed my semi-hardwood medicinal cuttings, dusted them in the powder, and watched roots pop up like they were auditioning for a botanical talent show. The clean formula, free of alcohol and dyes, gave me peace of mind while I got my propagation groove on. It’s the perfect little boost for anyone who loves growing from cuttings but hates waiting forever. Seriously, this stuff is root-tastic! —Derek Holloway

I’m pretty sure Hormex Rooting Powder 8 (0.80 IBA) is the secret sauce behind my garden’s new superpowers. Using this rooting hormone on my semi-hardwood tree cuttings made the roots stronger and happier—no joke! The powder is easy to use, just a quick dip and a tap off the excess, then plant away in whatever medium you fancy. I especially love that it’s been trusted for over 65 years, so it’s like having a gardening grandparent’s wisdom in a jar. My propagation success rate has never looked better, and my plants couldn’t be prouder. —Molly Stanton

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Why Rooting Hormone For Cuttings is Necessary

From my experience, using rooting hormone for cuttings has made a huge difference in the success rate of growing new plants. When I first started propagating, I often struggled with cuttings that just wouldn’t root or took way too long. Applying rooting hormone gave the cuttings a much-needed boost by stimulating root growth quickly and effectively.

I’ve noticed that rooting hormone not only speeds up the process but also helps the cuttings develop stronger, healthier roots. This means the new plants are more robust and better able to absorb nutrients and water once planted. Without it, many of my cuttings would dry out or rot before developing roots, but the hormone creates a protective environment that improves their chances.

In short, rooting hormone has become an essential part of my propagation routine because it increases success, saves time, and produces healthier plants. If you want your cuttings to thrive, I highly recommend giving rooting hormone a try.

My Buying Guides on Rooting Hormone For Cuttings

When I first started propagating plants, I quickly realized how important a good rooting hormone is to help cuttings develop strong roots. Over time, I’ve tried several products and learned what really matters. Here’s my guide to help you choose the best rooting hormone for your cuttings.

What Is Rooting Hormone and Why Do I Need It?

Rooting hormone is a growth stimulant that encourages cuttings to develop roots faster and more reliably. From my experience, using rooting hormone significantly improves the success rate of propagation, especially with woody or hard-to-root plants.

Types of Rooting Hormones I’ve Used

  • Powder: This is my go-to because it’s easy to apply and store. I just dip the cutting ends into the powder before planting.
  • Gel: I like gel when I want more control over application and less mess. It sticks well to the cutting and provides moisture.
  • Liquid: Liquid hormones are great for soaking cuttings or bottom-dipping methods. I find them useful when propagating multiple cuttings at once.

Active Ingredients to Look For

Most rooting hormones contain auxins like Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). I always check the label to ensure it has these, as they’re proven to promote root growth. Some products also include fungicides, which help prevent rot—a bonus in my book.

Considerations Based on Plant Type

Different plants respond better to different formulations. For example, softwood cuttings often root well with milder hormone concentrations, while hardwood cuttings may need stronger formulations. I usually research the specific needs of the plant I’m propagating before choosing a product.

Ease of Use and Application

I prefer rooting hormones that are easy to apply and don’t require complicated preparation. Powders and gels are straightforward, while liquids sometimes need dilution. Packaging that prevents spills and keeps the product fresh is a big plus.

Safety and Storage Tips

Since rooting hormones contain chemicals, I always wear gloves and avoid inhaling powders. I store my products in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Following the manufacturer’s instructions ensures safety and effectiveness.

My Top Tips for Successful Propagation with Rooting Hormone

  • Always use clean, sharp tools to take cuttings.
  • Dip only the bottom inch of the cutting into the hormone to avoid overuse.
  • Plant cuttings promptly after applying the hormone.
  • Keep cuttings in a humid environment to encourage root growth.

I hope my buying guide helps you find the right rooting hormone and boosts your propagation success!

Author Profile

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Carmen Stratton
Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.

Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.