Sprout the lentils or chickpeas:
Soak 1 cup of lentils or chickpeas in water overnight.
Drain the water and place the legumes in a container or tray.
Keep them moist and allow them to sprout over the next 3–4 days.
Sprouting increases the levels of natural auxins in the legumes.
Blend the sprouts:
Once sprouted, place them in a blender with 2–3 cups of fresh water.
Blend thoroughly to extract all the plant hormones.
Strain the liquid:
Pour the mixture through a fine cloth or strainer to remove solid residues.
The resulting liquid is your concentrated homemade rooting hormone.
Store and use:
Keep the solution in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Use as needed for rooting cuttings.
How to Use the Homemade Rooting Hormone
There are two primary methods to apply this solution to your plant cuttings:
1. Soaking the Cuttings:
Take fresh cuttings from healthy plants (5–10 cm long, ideally with 2–3 nodes).
Remove lower leaves and dip the cut base in the rooting hormone solution.
Let them soak for 2–3 hours before planting them into soil, coco coir, or water.
2. Watering After Planting:
After inserting the cuttings into the growing medium, water them using the rooting solution instead of plain water.
Repeat this every 2–3 days to continue stimulating root growth.
You can combine both methods for stronger results.
Additional Tips for Successful Rooting
Use clean, sharp tools when taking cuttings to prevent infection.
Keep humidity high by covering cuttings with a plastic dome or bag, especially during the first few weeks.
Place in indirect light while roots develop; avoid direct sun.
Use well-draining soil or propagation mix like perlite, vermiculite, or a peat and sand blend.
Final Thoughts
This natural rooting method is not only highly effective but also inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and safe for use on all types of plants. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started with plant propagation, this DIY rooting hormone is a powerful tool that can help you multiply your favorite plants with minimal cost and effort.
Give it a try and watch your cuttings grow strong roots and thrive — all thanks to the natural power of plants helping plants.
