Root Activator: How Do You Support Your Cuttings?

Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:52 pm

If you decide to propagate cuttings in order to produce a pure variety, the root formation has a decisive influence on whether this project is crowned with success. To improve root development, you can add a root activator. This promotes root growth so that cuttings and young plants have a higher chance of survival.

For which plants is a root activator suitable and what do you need to pay attention to when using it?

What is a root activator?

Root Activator: How Do You Support Your Cuttings?


If you are breeding in the form of cuttings, it has some advantages. With this method, you create a pure variety offspring. The new offshoots are clones in the strict sense. They have the exact genetic makeup of the original plant, so their characteristics are identical. If you want to ensure a high yield or achieve a certain appearance of the plants, this is possible with cuttings propagation.

Cuttings propagation is much more risky compared to cuttings with shoots. There is a risk that the cutting will not form roots, so it will not grow into a young plant.

To mitigate this risk, it is a good idea to use a root activator. These agents have a rooting hormone that promotes cell formation. This stimulates a process that is also responsible for root growth in nature in the plant. The hormones accelerate the whole process, with which you can achieve better success in growing.

The root activator is mostly made from natural raw materials and is added to the plant soil as algae meal. The application is recommended when repotting and promotes the health of the cuttings.

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The benefit of the root activator

Wurzelaktivator - Stecklinge

The effect of root activators is based on phytohormones. These are naturally present in algae concentrates.

Phytohormones are important signal transmitters of plants. They regulate growth and development. The addition of a root activator stimulates the development of cuttings. These are more likely to form their roots, which is why the chances of survival are increased.

Root activators can be applied to all conventional crops and ornamental plants. This includes roses, with which the propagation of cuttings is much more successful.

You can also use a root activator on a lawn. This should be done at the time of sowing, and you need to use a special product that is suitable for the lawn. Then the growth can be accelerated, so you will have a strong lawn in the garden faster.

Promote the growth of the roots, the plants absorb nutrients and water better. They will become more robust and as they grow, you will need to use less fertilizer.

However, you should be careful to avoid overfertilizing. If you apply too much root activator, the exact opposite could happen and root growth could be inhibited.

Therefore, only use products that are suitable for the growth of cuttings and young plants. Then you can be sure of a higher success rate in cuttings propagation.

Different variants


The root activator is available in different forms and variants. Depending on the exact application, you should choose a version to achieve the appropriate effect.

Powder
Products in powder form are common. These are mostly made from an algae powder and help the root to grow better. For this purpose, the combination of various active ingredients is relied upon. These include:

  • Auxin,
  • Cytokinin
  • Amino acids
  • Minerals
  • Vitamins
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Mix the powder with the soil to promote growth.

Gel
An alternative is to use a gel. This often consists of indole-3-butyric acid, which is a natural phytohormone.

For proper application, dip the cuttings into the gel for a brief moment around 10 to 20mm deep. Then place the cuttings in the soil and the root activator will ensure vigorous growth.

Liquid
Root activators on a liquid basis are easy to use. These are applied to the plant together with the watering water. Often these versions are mixed with a fertilizer, so that a far-reaching effect occurs.

What should you look for when buying?


In order for you to find the right product, there are some criteria to consider when buying. The following characteristics will help you make an optimal purchase decision.

Content
When buying the root activator, you should pay attention to the exact composition of the active ingredients. Potent root activators consisting of the growth hormones indo-3-butyric acid, indole-3-acetic acid as well as 1-naphthalenoacetic acid and are not approved for private use. They are only used in the professional field.

For home gardening, you can use a rooting powder. This is obtained from an algae extract and naturally contains the important growth hormones.

Note which additional active ingredients are included. If nitrogen or phosphate are added, for example, you must adjust the dosage of your fertilizer.

What form
Most root activators are in powder form. You work these into the potting soil to encourage the growth of the cuttings. When transplanting, this application is recommended.

The gel is also recommended for planting the cuttings. The effort is limited and you are sure of a high effect.

In liquid form, the dosage is more difficult and it is hard to estimate how much of the agent the plants will absorb. If you have already planted the cuttings and would like to add a root activator afterwards, this is easiest in liquid form.

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Quantity


When buying, it is also important to consider the quantity. Package sizes range from a few grams to large bags suitable for professional environments. Look at the dosage recommendation to better estimate how much of the agent you need to apply.

Strengthen cuttings with root activator.


If you grow plants and propagate them by using cuttings, the application of a root activator is recommended. This contains growth hormones, which promotes the formation of roots. Thus, there is less risk that the cuttings do not have enough water and nutrients. Simply mixed into the soil when planting, you lay the foundation for healthy growth of the cuttings as well as young plants.

Author

  • James Jones

    Meet James Jones, a passionate gardening writer whose words bloom with the wisdom of an experienced horticulturist. With a deep-rooted love for all things green, James has dedicated his life to sharing the art and science of gardening with the world. James's words have found their way into countless publications, and his gardening insights have inspired a new generation of green thumbs. His commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship shines through in every article he crafts.

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