Hormones for orchid rooting
Maria Popova, florist
Last reviewed: 19.01.2025
Last reviewed: 19.01.2025
Rooting hormones for orchids stimulate the growth of new roots, accelerating the plant's adaptation after repotting or during the recovery of damaged specimens. Proper use of these products helps orchids recover quickly and bloom again.
Key hormones for orchid rooting
Auxins (growth hormones):
- Indole-3-butyric acid (iba): actively stimulates root growth.
- Indole-3-acetic acid (iaa): promotes cell division.
- Naphthaleneacetic acid (naa): speeds up the growth of new roots.
Popular rooting stimulants for orchids
- Kornevin (iba analogue):
- Promotes rapid root formation.
- Used as a powder for treating cuts or as a solution for soaking roots.
- Heteroauxin (iaa):
- Enhances root development and strengthens the plant's immunity.
- Applied as a water solution.
- Radifarm:
- Contains natural auxin extracts and vitamins.
- Used for soaking roots before planting.
- Zircon:
- Boosts immunity and stimulates root system development.
- Applied as a spray or watering solution.
- Succinic acid:
- Activates root growth and increases stress resistance.
- Used as a solution (1 tablet per 1 liter of water).
How to use hormones for orchid rooting?
- Root soaking:
- Dissolve the chosen stimulant in water according to the instructions.
- Place the orchid roots in the solution for 15–30 minutes.
- After soaking, plant the orchid in an appropriate substrate.
- Cut treatment:
- During repotting or trimming damaged roots, sprinkle fresh cuts with kornevin or heteroauxin powder.
- This prevents rotting and speeds up new root formation.
- Watering and spraying:
- Water the orchid with a stimulant solution (e.g., zircon) every 2–3 weeks during active growth.
- Spray leaves and roots to encourage root system development.
Precautions
- Follow the dosage: excessive hormones may cause root burns or slow growth.
- Avoid constant use: rooting hormones should only be used in the early stages of plant recovery.
- Check root condition: use stimulants only on healthy or slightly damaged roots.
- Avoid contact with flowers: hormonal products may damage orchid flowers.
When to use rooting hormones for orchids?
- After repotting: to speed up orchid adaptation.
- When roots are damaged: to stimulate new root growth.
- For recovery: when the orchid has no roots left.
- After dividing the plant: to ensure quick rooting of all parts.
Conclusion
Using rooting hormones for orchids significantly accelerates root growth, boosts plant immunity, and minimizes the stress of repotting. The key is to choose the right product, follow the dosage guidelines, and provide optimal growing conditions for the orchid.