Rooting Hormone

Rooting hormone does exactly what the name suggests: it stimulates the growth of roots from the base of cuttings. It comes highly recommended, as it both speeds the process of rooting, and offers higher rates of success. Simply wet the base of the cutting, dip the lower 1/2" into the product, and plant. Remove the excess.

Typically, rooting hormone uses a form of indole-3-butyric acid as its base, in various strengths: the weakest for soft, succulent plants, the strongest for hardwoods, and a third for semi-hardwoods such as roses, raspberry canes, etc. Save some money by purchasing the first two only, and mix equal parts of each to create the third, as a pot or bottle of rooting hormone will last the amateur for years.

Vitamin B1

This, in liquid form, can be helpful in the rooting process, and is especial-ly used with air layering. Soak peat moss in the liquid, squeeze as dry as possible by hand, and use.

Willow Extract

Willows themselves root avidly, and produce a premium rooting material. A relatively new addition to the horticulturalist's armamentarium, willow extract was noted to root many of the most difficult cuttings, i.e. yellow birch, forsythia, especially if mixed with a commercial rooting medium. Strip leaves from a few young, juicy, green willow stems and run through a blender, then strain through cheesecloth. Place cuttings in the liquid for a day or two, then plant, and continue to water with willow tea.

Most willows should work. Should you decide to grow one or two for just this reason, keep them away from drain pipes, septic systems, etc., as willows are invasive and destructive.