Horticulturists and scientists have discovered that certain organic chemicals are produced by plants to aid in various plant processes. These are called plant hormones. One group of hormones have been identified that may help to encourage the development of roots on plant cuttings.

Generally, soft, green tissues such as a cutting from a geranium plant do not need anything except moisture to develop roots. However, other plants, especially those with woody stems, need an extra shot of one or more of these hormones before they will trigger the development of new roots on a cut stem.

Common rooting hormones or "compounds" are available at the local garden center. They may be in a powder or liquid form and will consists of various strengths of one or more of the following hormones.

1. NAA (Naphthaleneacetic Acid)

2. IBA (Indole Butyric Acid)

3. IAA (Indole-3-acetic Acid)

• Budding
• Cuttings
• Grafting
• Hosta Propagation

• Layering
• Seed Dormancy
• Using Old Seeds

• Starting Seeds
• Seed Treatments
• Tissue Culture

Note: We have provided some general information and observations on this topic aimed at the home gardener. Before you take any serious action in your landscape, check with your state's land grant university's Cooperative Extension Service for the most current, appropriate, localized recommendations.