Propagating plants from cuttings is a satisfying and cost-effective way to expand your garden. Whether you’re trying to multiply your citrus trees, roses, herbs, or houseplants, one key factor determines your success: root development.
While commercial rooting hormones are available, many gardeners prefer a natural and homemade alternative—something safer for the environment, budget-friendly, and just as effective. This article introduces a powerful homemade rooting agent that encourages robust root growth in all kinds of plant cuttings, especially citrus varieties.
Simple to make and using ingredients you may already have in your kitchen or garden, this natural solution helps increase propagation success and boosts the health of young plants from the very beginning.
Why Use a Rooting Agent?
When you take a cutting from a plant, it must develop roots before it can absorb water and nutrients on its own. During this vulnerable phase, many cuttings dry out, rot, or fail to root due to stress, bacteria, or a lack of hormonal stimulation.
A good rooting agent helps by:
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Stimulating the production of root cells
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Reducing transplant shock
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Preventing fungal infections
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Speeding up the rooting process
Commercial powders often rely on synthetic auxins (plant hormones), but natural substances like willow water, cinnamon, aloe vera, and certain kitchen items can offer similar benefits.
The Most Effective Homemade Rooting Tonic: Lentil Water
Surprisingly, lentils can help roots grow! Lentils (and other legumes) contain natural plant hormones like auxins and gibberellins, which encourage root development. They also contain amino acids and nutrients that support plant health.
Here’s how to make your own lentil-based rooting solution:
Lentil Rooting Water: Recipe and Instructions
Ingredients:
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1 cup of dry lentils (any variety)
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4 cups of water
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Optional: 1 tablespoon of honey (acts as a natural antifungal and energy source)
Steps:
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Soak the lentils in the water overnight (8–12 hours). This activates their natural enzymes and releases root-promoting compounds.
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After soaking, blend the mixture using a blender or food processor until smooth.
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Strain the mixture through a fine cloth or sieve to remove solids. You’ll be left with a liquid rooting agent.
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If using honey, stir it into the liquid at this stage.
You can refrigerate the solution for up to one week, but it’s best used fresh for maximum effectiveness.
How to Use the Homemade Rooting Agent
There are two main methods to apply this natural rooting formula:
1. Soaking Cuttings
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Submerge the base of the cutting (2–3 cm) in the lentil rooting water for 2 to 6 hours before planting.
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After soaking, plant the cutting into moist, well-draining soil or a rooting medium like perlite or coconut coir.
2. Watering the Soil
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Once planted, you can water the cutting with the rooting solution every 3–4 days during the first two weeks to encourage faster root development.
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Use it sparingly to avoid mold—just enough to keep the soil lightly moist.
Additional Natural Boosters for Rooting
To enhance results, you can combine or alternate the lentil water with these other natural root-stimulating ingredients:
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Cinnamon: Acts as a natural antifungal and encourages callus formation on the cutting. Dip the end of the cutting in ground cinnamon before planting.
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Aloe Vera: Contains natural enzymes and salicylic acid. Apply fresh aloe gel directly to the cutting base.
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Willow Water: Soak willow branches in water to extract natural rooting hormones (salicylic acid and indolebutyric acid).
These can be used separately or combined with your lentil tonic to create a powerful rooting system.
Best Plants to Propagate with This Method
This natural rooting solution works for a wide range of plants, including:
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Citrus trees (lemon, orange, lime, etc.)
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Herbs (basil, mint, rosemary)
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Houseplants (pothos, monstera, philodendron)
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Roses and ornamental shrubs
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Tomatoes and peppers
Citrus trees are known to be a bit tricky to propagate, but with the help of this rooting tonic, you’ll increase your success rate significantly.
Tips for Rooting Success
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Always use a clean, sharp knife or scissors when taking cuttings to avoid damaging plant tissue.
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Remove most of the leaves from the cutting to reduce moisture loss.
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Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment, ideally with indirect sunlight.
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Mist the leaves lightly if they begin to wilt.
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Be patient—some plants take weeks to root, especially woody varieties.
Final Thoughts
Homemade rooting agents are an excellent alternative to store-bought powders and gels. With just a cup of lentils and some water, you can create a powerful, natural tonic that encourages your cuttings to develop strong, healthy roots. It’s safe, sustainable, and works wonderfully for citrus trees and many other plant varieties.
Give this method a try the next time you propagate a plant—you might just be amazed by the results.
