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Words: 372 including resource box Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
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When starting a new plant from a leaf or stem cutting, cutting will be more likely to form roots and create a new plant if a rooting hormone is used.
While commercial rooting hormone can be used there are organic homemade versions that work as well.
To make rooting hormone soak yellow-tipped shoots of a weeping willow tree in water. A tea made from bark of a willow tree is also effective. When using shoots or bark soak them for 24 hours prior to using.
Some people have found that using honey makes an effective rooting hormone as well.
Leaf cuttings: Any plant with leaves such as African Violet, Geranium etc. can be propagated with leaf cuttings. Using a sharp knife cut off a healthy leaf at point where it joins stem. Insert cut part, called a petiole, into rooting hormone. Place end into a small container of light potting soil in which you have made a small hole with a pencil. Making a hole prior to planting assures that rooting hormone will not be brushed off cutting when you plant it. Perlite, Vermiculite, and/or water-soaked Sphagnum moss can be added to potting soil to make soil light. Make sure leaf is leaning slightly so that new plants will have plenty of light and not be shaded by leaf.
