How to Choose the Right Rooting Hormone Strength
If you’ve ever shopped for rooting hormone, you’ve probably noticed that it comes in different strengths or numbers. This often leaves gardeners wondering: Which one should I actually use?
Choosing the right rooting hormone is important because different plants respond better to different hormone concentrations. Using the correct strength can improve your success rate and help cuttings develop strong, healthy roots faster.
What Is Rooting Hormone?
Rooting hormone contains plant growth hormones (usually auxins) that encourage cuttings to produce roots. When applied to the cut end of a stem or leaf cutting, it stimulates root development and helps speed up the propagation process.
While some plants root easily without it, rooting hormone can make propagation more reliable and faster, especially for harder-to-root plants.
Why Do Rooting Hormones Come in Different Strengths?
Different plants have different natural rooting abilities.
- Soft plants already root easily and only need a small boost.
- Woody or tougher plants need a stronger hormone to encourage root growth.
Using a hormone that is too strong can sometimes damage soft cuttings, while using one that is too weak might not be effective for woody plants.
General Guide to Rooting Hormone Strengths
A simple guide to understanding rooting hormone strengths and how to choose the right one for successful plant propagation.
Soft-Wood (Nr.1) Rooting Hormone
Best for soft, tender cuttings that root easily.
Common examples include:
- Herbs (basil, mint, oregano)
- Soft houseplants
- Succulents
- Soft stem cuttings
These plants already root quickly, so a mild hormone is enough to encourage root formation.
Semi-Hardwood (Nr.2) Rooting Hormone
A good all-round option for many garden plants.
Often used for:
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Some indoor plants
- Slightly woody stems
- Flowering Shrubs & Ornamental Plants (Roses, Hydrangea, Hibicus)
- Evergreens & Hedging Plants (Lavender, Rosemary, Conifers)
- Perennials & Herbs (Salvia, Mint, Thyme)
- Climbers (Ivy)
If you’re unsure which strength to choose, medium strength is often a safe starting point.
Hard-Wood (Nr.3) Rooting Hormone
Used for harder, woody cuttings that take longer to root.
Best for:
- Woody shrubs
- Roses
- Fruit trees
- Hardwood cuttings
These plants benefit from a stronger hormone to stimulate root development.
Quick Rule of Thumb
Soft stems → Low strength
Semi-woody stems → Medium strength
Woody stems → High strength
Extra Tips for Successful Propagation
Even with rooting hormone, a few simple steps can improve your success rate:
- Use clean, sharp tools when taking cuttings
- Remove lower leaves before dipping in hormone
- Plant cuttings in a light, well-draining propagation mix
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy
- Maintain warmth and humidity while roots develop
Final Thoughts
Rooting hormone isn’t always necessary, but it can significantly increase your chances of success when propagating plants. By choosing the correct strength for the type of cutting, you’ll give your plants the best possible start.
If you're unsure which rooting hormone is right for your plants, feel free to reach out — we're always happy to help.
Ready to Start Propagating?
Using the right rooting hormone can make a big difference in your propagation success. If you're planning to take cuttings soon, make sure you have the right strength on hand.
👉 View our range of rooting hormones here:
Softwood Rooting Hormone