We all know that aloe vera is a wonderful plant that has many uses and quite a popular houseplant for centuries. Its gel is used to treat many skin issues like sunburns, rashes, acne, and health issues. But, can we use it as a rooting hormone to promote the healthy growth of plants? Of course yes, you can use aloe vera as a rooting hormone too. Let’s see how, before that check out what is rooting hormone and how it helps in the growth of plants when applied.
What Is Rooting Hormone?
Rooting hormone is often called a chemical in a plant that produces roots when it is cut or exposed. However, there are different types of plant hormones that help in the growth of roots and shoots and referred to as auxin hormones.
It mainly focuses on the growth of plants by stimulating plant cells and elongate. This method works great in vertical gardening of your home and can also be done to ensure that the plants grow to hold strong roots.
It also protects the plant against fungi, bacteria and prevents transplant shock. This works absolutely great when you want to grow plants from stem cuttings and grafting.
Using Aloe Vera As Rooting Hormone:
According to a study, aloe vera is a completely cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to phytohormones and synthetic plant growth regulators.
Aloe vera is known to contain over 70 active constituents and vitamins A, C, E, B2, magnesium, amino acids, calcium, lignins, zinc, polysaccharides, minerals, choline, zinc, and all things that need for root development, cell strength, and overall plant growth.
Aloe vera gel contains an active component called Acemannan that has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties that protect the cutting from fungi, microbes, and mold.
How To Use Aloe Vera AS Rooting Hormone:
Use fresh aloe vera gel as a rooting hormone for your cuttings. All you need to do is cut thick aloe leaf from your plant and scrape out the gel.
You can use it in several ways,
- Blend the aloe vera gel in a blender by adding a little amount of water to form a thick paste. Take the propagated plant in the solution and leave it for about a week until you see roots on the plant.
- Or just dip the propagated plant in the blended paste and prepare your plant pot by mixing equal parts of soil and sand. Once you see the roots, transfer the plant carefully to the hole without disturbing aloe on the propagated root. Cover the cutting with soil and water as needed.
- Or just dip the bottom of cutting in aloe vera gel and set them in the growing medium.
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