When it comes to propagating plants, especially woody cuttings from fruit trees and citrus, success often depends on whether the cutting can quickly develop strong roots. Many gardeners turn to rooting hormones to boost their chances, but commercial products can be expensive or difficult to find. Fortunately, there’s an effective and all-natural rooting solution you can make at home—without using lentils.

This simple homemade rooting hormone uses ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen or garden. It’s completely natural, rich in growth-promoting compounds, and effective for rooting a wide variety of plants—including citrus trees, grape vines, fig trees, roses, ornamental plants, and more.

Why Use a Homemade Rooting Hormone?

When propagating cuttings, the plant needs a boost to start developing roots. In nature, this process takes time and can be unpredictable. A rooting hormone speeds up root initiation and improves the success rate.

Natural ingredients can replicate the effects of synthetic hormones by providing minerals, enzymes, and plant hormones like auxins and cytokinins, which regulate plant growth. They also stimulate beneficial microbial activity in the root zone and reduce the chances of rot.

This recipe avoids lentils and instead relies on an ingredient that’s often overlooked in the garden: willow branches.

The Power of Willow Water

Willow trees (Salix spp.) contain salicylic acid and indolebutyric acid (IBA), two powerful growth promoters and natural rooting hormones. These compounds help cuttings form roots faster and protect against fungal infections.

Salicylic acid also acts as a natural defense booster, strengthening plant immunity during the vulnerable rooting stage. That’s why willow water has been a favorite natural rooting aid among experienced gardeners for generations.

How to Make Willow Rooting Water

Ingredients:

  • A handful of young willow twigs or shoots (any willow variety will work)

  • 1 liter of clean water

Instructions:

  1. Harvest the Willow Twigs:
    Choose young, green branches (the thinner, the better). Cut them into small pieces about 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) long.

  2. Soak the Twigs:
    Place the willow pieces in a jar or pot and cover them with about 1 liter of water. Let them soak for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature.

  3. Strain and Store:
    After soaking, strain the liquid into a clean container. This is your willow rooting water. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How to Use the Willow Rooting Solution

There are several ways to apply this natural rooting aid depending on the plant and the type of cutting:

1. Soak the Cuttings

Place the base of the cuttings in the willow water for 6 to 12 hours before planting. This works well for woody stems like grape vines, fig trees, citrus, and roses.

2. Water the Soil

Once the cuttings are planted, you can water them with the willow solution every few days to stimulate further root development and prevent rot.

3. Use as a Foliar Spray

Dilute the willow water 1:1 with clean water and mist over the leaves of sensitive cuttings to reduce transplant stress and boost plant resilience.

Additional Tips for Rooting Success

  • Always use clean tools when cutting stems to prevent infections.

  • Select cuttings that are healthy, semi-hardwood, and around 10–20 cm long.

  • Remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem to reduce moisture loss.

  • Keep cuttings in a shaded, warm, and humid environment until roots form.

  • Stick cuttings in moist but well-draining soil, coco coir, perlite, or vermiculite.

  • Cover with a plastic dome or bag to maintain humidity if needed.

Plants That Root Well with This Method

This homemade rooting water works on many different types of plants, including:

  • Citrus trees (orange, lemon, lime)

  • Grapevines

  • Fig trees

  • Rose bushes

  • Pomegranate and guava

  • Ornamentals like hydrangeas, coleus, and bougainvillea

  • Shrubs and native plants

It’s especially helpful for semi-woody and hardwood cuttings, which are often more difficult to root without stimulation.

A Natural, Cost-Effective Alternative

Willow water is a fantastic, natural alternative to synthetic rooting hormones. It’s safe, eco-friendly, and easy to make—no special equipment or expensive ingredients required. Plus, it provides not only auxins to promote root growth but also natural protection against disease.

If you have access to a willow tree or know someone who does, take a few cuttings and try this method in your garden. You may be surprised at how quickly your cuttings begin to root and thrive.

Final Thoughts

Rooting your own cuttings is one of the most rewarding and cost-saving gardening practices. With this homemade rooting solution using willow twigs, you can propagate a wide variety of plants naturally and effectively—without needing lentils or store-bought hormones. It’s a simple solution that works with nature, not against it.

jardin