boost your roots
“
THE FUNGI FEED on carbohydrates and
proteins that are released by the roots of a
plant, and the networks of beneficial fungi,
which can go on for miles underground,
can act as an extension for the roots’ ability
to draw much-needed nutrients.”
Phosphorous is one of the nutrients needed by plants
in large amounts, and one of its many functions is to aid
in root development. Some root stimulators may contain
phosphorous, but you can also use a separate phosphorous
product on its own. A word of caution about phosphorous: any
amount not used by the plant ends up leaching out and often
ends up in waterways. This causes unwanted and sometimes
dangerous algae blooms. Make sure that you really need it
and that your plants can use all the phosphorous that you
give it. When in doubt, test the phosphorous levels of your
media to see if your plants already have enough available to
them. The same can be said of nitrogen. Nitrogen fertilizers
may be sufficient to help your plant develop new roots as the
process of your plant adjusting to its new home can require
additional nutrition. Be careful about over-fertilizing.
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Regardless of which formulation you select for your rooting
promoter, be careful not to contaminate or otherwise compro-
mise the contents. Do not dip your cutting or plant into a bottle
of root stimulator. This can introduce any number of unwanted
pathogens that can then be spread to your other plants with
each subsequent dip. Prepare the desired amount separately,
and keep the original container tightly closed when not in use.
Do not save or reuse root stimulators that have already been in
contact with your cuttings or transplants.
Mycorrhizae
Though not a growth hormone, mycorrhizal fungi has been
known for hundreds of years to benefit plants’ roots. The
mutually beneficial relationship between this fungi and
a plant’s root system is complex. In general, beneficial
bacteria are stimulated, which in turn produce growth-
enhancing chemicals within a plant. The fungi feed on
carbohydrates and proteins that are released by the roots
of a plant, and the networks of beneficial fungi, which can
go on for miles underground, can act as an extension for
the roots’ ability to draw much-needed nutrients. Roots
that have a complex mycorrhizal relationship are more
resistant to root diseases, pests, and negative cultural
conditions like drought or poor soil aeration.
Mycorrhizae has become widely available on the market.
You can obtain it in liquid, granular, or powder form. It
may also be embedded into soilless media. It should be
observed, however, that the use of fungicides on your plant
to prevent certain fungal diseases may negatively affect the
beneficial fungi existing in your plant’s root network. If you
purchase a mycorrhizae product for root development and
a fungicide, you may as well save your money and not buy
the mycorrhizae until enough time has elapsed from your
fungicide treatments.