How to Clone a Pot Plant without Rooting Hormone

If you’re a fan of growing pot plants, then you know that cloning is an essential part of the process. However, using rooting hormone can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you don’t have any on hand. Luckily, there are other ways to clone your plants without using hormone powders or gels. Here’s how:

Choosing your Plant

Before you start cloning, you need to select the right plant to use. You want to choose a healthy, strong plant that’s in its vegetative stage. Make sure the plant has healthy leaves and stems, and is free from any pests or diseases.

Selecting your Cutting

You want to select a cutting that’s about 4-6 inches long, and has at least one or two healthy leaves. The cutting should come from a branch that’s not flowering, as these won’t root as easily. Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors to make a 45-degree angled cut just below a node (where a leaf or a bud comes out).

Preparing your Cutting

Once you’ve got your cutting, you want to prepare it for cloning. Remove any bottom leaves that are near the cut end. These leaves won’t get enough light, and will just wilt and rot. You also want to make sure your cutting has a fresh wound on the end. Use a clean razor blade to gently scrape away a bit of the bark around the bottom of the stem. This will help the cutting absorb water and nutrients.

Planting your Cutting

You can actually clone your cutting without using any rooting hormone. Simply dip the end of your cutting into a glass of water, and then into a small container filled with soil. The water will help keep the cutting hydrated, while the soil will provide the nutrients and support it needs to root. You can also use a rooting hormone substitute, such as honey or aloe vera gel, to help the cutting root even faster.

Caring for your Clone

After you’ve planted your cutting, you want to make sure it’s in a warm, humid environment. You can cover it with a clear plastic bag or a dome to keep the humidity high. Make sure the container is kept in a bright, but not too sunny spot. Within a few weeks, you should start to see new growth on the cutting, which means it’s successfully rooted.

Conclusion

Cloning your pot plants can be a great way to save money and ensure you always have a fresh supply of plants. While using rooting hormone can be effective, it’s not always necessary. With a bit of patience and care, you can successfully clone your plants without any synthetic additives. Just remember to choose a healthy plant, use a fresh cutting, and provide the right environment for your new clone to thrive.