Rooting Hormones & Cloning Gels for Cuttings & Seedlings
Rooting hormones accelerate root initiation and development in plant cuttings and seedlings by delivering concentrated auxin compounds — the plant hormones responsible for triggering root cell differentiation — directly to the cut surface. Applied correctly, rooting hormones measurably compress the time from cut to transplant-ready clone and improve rooting rates across both hydroponic and soil-based propagation methods.
Rooting Hormone Gels: Clonex & Hydrodynamics International
Cloning gel is the most popular rooting hormone format among hydroponic growers. Its thick consistency adheres to the cut stem surface and maintains contact with the wound site as the cutting is inserted into a rooting plug or neoprene collar, providing a sustained hormone dose throughout the critical initial rooting period. Clonex by Hydrodynamics International is the market-leading cloning gel — a ready-to-use formulation containing IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) plus a broad-spectrum antifungal to protect cut tissue during the vulnerable pre-rooting stage. Apply gel to a clean, 45-degree cut at the base of the stem, using a separate container to avoid cross-contaminating your stock bottle between cuts.
Rooting Hormone Solutions: For Cloning Machines & Hydroponic Systems
Liquid rooting hormone solutions are mixed directly into the reservoir of aeroponic or hydroponic cloning machines, providing a continuous hormone dose to cutting stems throughout the rooting period. Solutions work alongside the mechanical oxygenation of the cloning system to accelerate root development from multiple angles — the combination of auxin stimulation and consistent dissolved oxygen at the wound site typically produces faster rooting than either approach alone.
Rooting Hormone Powders & Sprays
Powdered rooting hormone contains the same active auxin compounds as gel but in dry form — more shelf-stable and versatile but slightly less adherent to stem surfaces during insertion. Use a separate container when dipping to avoid moisture contamination of the stock powder. Swirl the cut end in the powder, tap off excess, and insert carefully into the rooting plug to avoid dislodging the coating. Rooting hormone sprays are less common but useful for foliar application on air layers or hard-to-reach cutting sites.
Pairing Rooting Hormones with Mycorrhizae & Root Stimulants
For maximum rooting speed and root mass quality, pair your rooting hormone with a mycorrhizal inoculant and a root stimulant such as Botanicare Liquid Karma or General Hydroponics RapidStart. These compounds support different aspects of early root development and work synergistically with auxin-based rooting hormone applications.
Explore our full cloning and propagation collection, browse cloning machines, or read our guide on using rooting hormones on cuttings in the Learning Center. Fast shipping.
