stem secrets
sticking into the substrate) and is therefore ineffective. Another type of auxin
delivery is gel based. This gel adheres to
the cutting better than talc, but is usually
more expensive and has the added danger
of burning certain sensitive softwood
cuttings. Also, like talc, the concentration
of auxin is fixed in gel-based solutions.
Lastly, another popular auxin carrier is
a liquid-based solution (often a solvent
like isopropyl or ethyl alcohol). The stock
solution is quite high (10,000 ppm)
and can easily be diluted with water to
acquire the desired concentration. This
method is a quick dip where the auxin is
highly soluble and readily absorbed; however, the price is usually much higher and
the solvent readily burns cuttings if the
optimal concentration is exceeded. I have
experienced the greatest success using
rooting hormones that are solvent-based,
but would not recommend it for those
trying root hormones for the
first time.
120
Maximum Yield USA | September 2012
Ideal conditions of optimal rooting
Since the cuttings have been severed
from the parent plant and do not possess a root system, their ability to absorb
water and nutrients is drastically reduced.
Cuttings will lose water from both the
leaves and the cut end until it heals over;
thus, maintaining high humidity is criti-
“Since the cuttings have
been severed from the parent
plant and do not possess a
root system, their ability to
absorb water and nutrients is
drastically reduced.”
cal. Without humidity, the cuttings will
quickly lose turgor pressure and wilt. On
a commercial scale, misting systems allow
high humidity coupled with good air
circulation, which significantly reduces
fungal rotting. However, most hobby