While commercial rooting hormone can be used there are



organic homemade versions that work as well.

To make rooting hormone soak the yellow-tipped shoots of a

weeping willow tree in water. A tea made from the bark of a

willow tree is also effective. When using the shoots or

bark soak them for 24 hours prior to using.

Some people have found that using honey makes an effective

rooting hormone as well.

Leaf cuttings: Any plant with leaves such as African

Violet, Geranium etc. can be propagated with leaf cuttings.

Using a sharp knife cut off a healthy leaf at the point

where it joins the stem. Insert the cut part, called a

petiole, into the rooting hormone. Place the end into a

small container of light potting soil in which you have made

a small hole with a pencil. Making a hole prior to planting

assures that the rooting hormone will not be brushed off the

cutting when you plant it. Perlite, Vermiculite, and/or

water-soaked Sphagnum moss can be added to potting soil to

make the soil light. Make sure the leaf is leaning slightly

so that the new plants will have plenty of light and not be

shaded by the leaf.

Stem cuttings: These are treated just like leaf cuttings

except you cut off a stem with several leaves instead of

just one leaf. Remove the bottom leaves, leaving a few at

the top. Proceed as with the leaf cutting.

In both instances cover the pot with a plastic bag or

inverted glass jar. This will keep moisture from

evaporating and keep the cutting from wilting. Keep in a

warm location with diffused light but out of direct

sunlight. When there is indications of growth after about 3

to 6 weeks, transplant the new emerging plant into a new pot

of potting soil. Continue to keep a humid environment for

about 2 more weeks until active growth begins.