Best Growth Hormone For Plant Cuttings: 10 Options Compared

#1 · Best Overall

1. Clonex Rooting Gel

• Weight: 4 oz
• Form: Gel

Best for: Soft-stem cutting propagators.

Why it ranks #1: Water-based gel contains IBA, targets root initiation and development, and gives direct cut-end application guidance for soft-tissue cuttings.

Clonex uses a water-based rooting gel with IBA, coating and sealing a cutting’s cut tissue as you apply it. That gel format is aimed at soft-tissue plants and gives propagators a direct dip-and-insert routine, followed by misting and placement in a warm, clean area.

The gel’s water-based formula and stated IBA level support a simple application sequence: cover the cut end, insert the cutting into rooting medium, mist it, and place it somewhere warm and clean. Full coverage is specifically described as sealing the tissue while providing hormones and vitamins for root-cell development. Its stated suitability for soft-tissue plants makes this a focused option for growers propagating tender material rather than seeking a powder workflow.

Skip it if you prefer a dry powder dip for cuttings; Hormex Rooting Powder #1 is formulated for tender softwood cuttings in powder form.

Clonex suits propagators working with soft-tissue cuttings who value a gel that coats the cut end and fits a mist-and-place routine. Account for the stated warm, clean placement step when planning where treated cuttings will sit.

Listed on Amazon as: Clonex Rooting Gel High-Performance Rooting Compound – 100ml

#2 · Best Application Guide

2. Garden Safe TakeRoot

• Weight: 5.92 oz
• Form: Powder

Best for: Gardeners propagating familiar varieties.

Why it ranks #2: IBA powder suits many home and greenhouse varieties, and the supplied directions explain moistening, dipping, tapping off excess, and planting.

Indole-3-butyric acid is the active ingredient in this two-pack of Garden Safe TakeRoot powder, giving home propagators a defined dip-and-plant routine. Moisten a cutting’s end, stir it in the powder, tap away excess, then plant. The product is listed for popular home, garden, and greenhouse varieties.

The powder application suits a batch of cuttings: the directions call for moistening the cut ends, coating the bottom inch, and tapping off excess before planting. A hole made slightly wider than the cutting helps keep powder on the stem as it goes into the rooting medium. The listed plant examples include African violets, roses, poinsettias, philodendrons, and geraniums, so it offers a broad familiar-variety fit without requiring a liquid propagation routine.

Skip it if you want a liquid that can be added to water propagation; Cute Farms Root Drops is listed for water, soil, and LECA.

Gardeners multiplying familiar houseplants or garden varieties can use this powder with a straightforward dip-and-plant workflow. It is a better fit for those comfortable preparing cut ends and rooting medium than for anyone seeking a liquid application.

Listed on Amazon as: Garden Safe Take Root Rooting Hormone 2 Oz, Promotes Rooting, 2 Pack

#3 · Best for Tender Cuttings

3. Hormex Rooting Powder #1

• Weight: 9.07 g
• Form: Powder

Best for: Tender softwood cutting starters.

Why it ranks #3: Specifies 0.10% IBA and identifies this powder for softwood cuttings, with other Hormex strengths available for different cutting types.

Hormex Rooting Powder #1 specifies 0.10% IBA and targets softwood cuttings, giving propagators a defined strength for tender plant material. The brand lists four powder strengths for different cutting types, and points buyers to a Plant Strength Guide in the product images to match a strength to the plant.

The 0.10% IBA formulation is identified for softwood cuttings, giving the product a more specific fit than an unspecified all-purpose strength. Hormex also lists four strengths for softwood, semi-hardwood, and hardwood cuttings, with a Plant Strength Guide in the images to help buyers select among them. That range supports growers handling varied cutting types, though this #1 formulation is the tender-cutting option in the supplied details.

Skip it if you mainly propagate hardwood cuttings and want a strength identified for that material; Hormex lists four strengths, including options for hardwood cuttings.

Hormex #1 suits growers propagating tender softwood cuttings who want an explicitly stated IBA concentration. Those handling semi-hardwood or hardwood material should use the referenced strength guide to select among the brand’s listed options.

Listed on Amazon as: Hormex Rooting Hormone Powder #1 – Fast Roots for Tender Plant Cuttings

#4 · Best Multi-Use Powder

4. Bonide Bontone II

• Weight: 35 g
• Form: Powder

Best for: Cuttings, seeds, and bulbs.

Why it ranks #4: IBA rooting powder is intended for cuttings and also lists seed and bulb coating as uses, offering more than one propagation application.

Bonide Bontone II extends its powder application beyond cuttings to seeds and bulbs, letting gardeners use one rooting product across several propagation tasks. Dip a clipping’s end and place it in moist soil; for seeds or bulbs, the listed method is to shake them gently with powder in a bag.

The ready-to-use dust offers two distinct workflows: dip a cutting and put it into moist soil, or coat seeds and bulbs by gently shaking them with powder in a bag. That versatility suits growers who propagate through more than stem cuttings. Its listed active ingredient is indole-3-butyric acid, and the product is described as not soluble in water, so it is for application as a powder rather than dissolving into a watering solution.

Skip it if you need a water-soluble rooting product for mixing into propagation water; Southside Plants Root Drops is listed for water, soil, and specialized substrates.

Choose Bontone II if your propagation routine includes seeds or bulbs as well as cuttings and you want a powder workflow. Its stated water insolubility makes it a poor match for growers seeking a dissolved rooting solution.

Listed on Amazon as: Bonide Bontone II Rooting Powder, 1.25 oz Ready-to-Use Dust for Houseplants and Transplants Speeds Root Development

#5

5. RootBoost Rooting Powder

• Weight: 2 oz
• Form: Powder

Best for: Powder for indoor and outdoor cuttings.

Why it ranks #5: Powder contains Hormodin 1 and is specifically intended for indoor, outdoor, and container-garden cuttings across several listed plant varieties.

RootBoost contains Hormodin 1, identified as the same formula used by professionals, in a two-ounce rooting powder for indoor, outdoor, and container-garden cuttings. Its simple cut, dip, and plant approach makes the product relevant to gardeners who want a powder for a range of ornamental propagation.

The powder format supports a straightforward sequence: take a cutting, dip it, and plant it. Its listed uses span indoor and outdoor plants, container gardens, and garden ornamentals, while named examples include African violets, geraniums, roses, philodendrons, chrysanthemums, and hydrangeas. The two-ounce quantity is stated to provide enough rooting hormone for hundreds of cuttings. Safety information advises protective eyewear and cautions against inhalation or skin contact.

Skip it if you want a liquid formula for water propagation; Southside Plants Root Drops is listed for water and several other propagation media.

RootBoost fits gardeners treating many indoor or outdoor ornamental cuttings with a simple powder dip. Its safety precautions call for careful handling, so it is less suitable for anyone unwilling to use protective eyewear and avoid contact.

Listed on Amazon as: RootBoost Rooting Hormone, Rooting Powder for Plant Cuttings, 2 Ounces

#6 · Best Substrate Range

6. Southside Plants Root Drops

• Weight: 5 oz
• Form: Liquid

Best for: Multi-substrate indoor propagators.

Why it ranks #6: Liquid drops list 0.025% IBA and are promoted for water, soil, LECA, pon, and sphagnum moss propagation.

Southside Plants Root Drops is a liquid rooting formula listed for water, soil, LECA, pon, and sphagnum moss, letting indoor growers keep one format across varied propagation setups. The bottle includes a dropper, and the description names 0.025% indole butyric acid alongside proprietary vitamins.

The liquid format and dropper support applying the product across different propagation media instead of relying on a powder dip. Its listed compatibility spans water, soil, LECA, pon, and sphagnum moss, useful for growers who switch substrates or maintain several setups. The description identifies 0.025% indole butyric acid and proprietary vitamins, while the ingredients field also names lanolin and cytokinins. No specific dose is provided in the supplied details.

Skip it if you need a stated drop count for application; Cute Farms Root Drops describes adding a few drops for water-propagated cuttings.

Indoor growers rotating among water, soil, LECA, pon, or moss can benefit from this broad substrate listing and included dropper. Buyers who want a stated dose should note that one is not given in the supplied product details.

Listed on Amazon as: Root Drops – Liquid Rooting Hormone for Cuttings | Fast Propagation Drops, Stronger Roots, Less Shock | Works in Water, Soil, Leca, Moss| For all Indoor Houseplants like Pothos, Monstera, Philodendron

#7

7. Cute Farms Root Drops

• Form: Liquid

Best for: Water, soil, and LECA growers.

Why it ranks #7: Liquid formula lists 0.025% IBA with vitamins and is described for water, soil, LECA, or moss use with cuttings.

Cute Farms Root Drops specifies 0.025% IBA and lists water, soil, and LECA use, giving propagators a clear active-ingredient figure and several substrate options. The four-ounce liquid bottle includes a dropper, and its description says a few drops encourage root development for water-propagated cuttings.

The listed 0.025% IBA and essential vitamins form the product’s dual-action formula, while the dropper and liquid form support adding it to propagation routines. The title lists water, soil, and LECA; the key features also include moss. The supplied facts specifically mention adding a few drops for water-propagated cuttings, so that use has more explicit direction than the other listed media. Named plant examples include pothos, Monstera, and philodendron.

Skip it if you need pon or sphagnum moss explicitly listed; Southside Plants Root Drops names both of those substrates.

Cute Farms Root Drops suits indoor growers seeking a liquid with a stated IBA percentage and a few-drops direction for water propagation. The product lists several media, but the specific dose guidance supplied is for water use.

Listed on Amazon as: Root Drops – Liquid Rooting Booster | Rapid Growth, Stronger Root System, Reduced Transplant Shock | Ideal for Water, Soil, Leca | Perfect for Indoor Plants: Pothos, Monstera, Philodendron (4 oz)

#8

8. Herrdemia Rooting Powder

• Weight: 1.1 oz
• Form: Powder

Best for: Powder users across water and soil.

Why it ranks #8: Powder is promoted for cuttings and water or soil use, with listed IBA, NAA, seaweed extract, and chitosan components.

Herrdemia’s rooting powder is listed for use in both water and soil, a useful distinction for propagators who move between those methods. Its supplied facts name IBA, NAA, seaweed extract, and chitosan, and cite plants including pothos, Monstera, philodendron, snake plant, and hoya.

The title frames this as a three-in-one powder for cuttings, while the supplied facts specifically connect IBA with a dense feeder network and NAA with a central taproot. Seaweed extract is described as helping cuttings adapt to temperature and humidity changes; chitosan is linked with stem health at the cut site before roots emerge. Together, those named ingredients and functions give this powder a broader stated approach than a single-ingredient rooting product.

Skip it if you prefer a liquid for water, soil, and LECA; Montorchid Root Drops is a liquid listed for water, soil, LECA, and moss.

Herrdemia is a fit for growers interested in a powder listed for water and soil, with multiple named components and functions. Its powder format is the key consideration for anyone who prefers a measured liquid dropper routine.

Listed on Amazon as: Rooting Powder – 3 in 1 Rooting Hormone for Cuttings Works in Water and Soil, Root Stimulator for Plants Fit Indoor Houseplants Like Pothos, Monstera, Roses,Philodendron, Up to 3000 Cuttings

#9

9. Montorchid Root Drops

• Form: Liquid

Best for: Dropper-based houseplant propagation.

Why it ranks #9: Liquid drops list IBA and vitamins and are presented for water, soil, LECA, and moss, but provide limited verified detail.

Montorchid Root Drops pairs a liquid format with an included dropper, making it a direct option for houseplant propagators who want a liquid rooting product. The supplied ingredient facts name IBA and proprietary vitamins, while the title lists water, soil, LECA, and moss propagation for plants such as pothos and Monstera.

The title’s substrate list—water, soil, LECA, and moss—gives this liquid product a wide stated fit for different houseplant propagation setups. An included dropper supports applying a liquid, while the ingredient information names indole-3-butyric acid and proprietary vitamins. The supplied details do not describe a specific dose or a detailed application sequence, so buyers should weigh the broad listed compatibility against that limited instruction detail.

Skip it if you need the IBA percentage stated; Cute Farms Root Drops lists 0.025% IBA and describes adding a few drops for water propagation.

Houseplant growers seeking a liquid with a dropper and a title listing several propagation media may find Montorchid worth considering. The supplied facts name IBA but give no percentage or dose, which matters to specification-focused buyers.

Listed on Amazon as: Root Drops – Liquid Rooting Hormone for Cuttings- Fast Growth Propagation Drops | Less Shock in Water/Soil/LECA/Moss | Fits Pothos, Monstera, Philodendron & All Houseplants (4 oz) (1)

#10

10. Houseplant Prop Drops

• Weight: 0.25 kg
• Form: Liquid

Best for: Houseplant liquid-formula users.

Why it ranks #10: Liquid propagation promoter is intended to support cuttings, but its listed seaweed extract and humic acid are less specific than the IBA products.

Houseplant Prop Drops combines concentrated seaweed extract and humic acid in an eight-ounce liquid propagation formula, offering a non-powder option for houseplant propagation. Its listed aims include stimulating root growth, reducing transplant shock, and helping prevent root rot, making it relevant to growers establishing cuttings and transplants.

The liquid form distinguishes this product from dip-on powders, while the seaweed extract and humic acid are the named components of its formula. Its description connects use with root growth, transplant shock, and root rot, so it is positioned for growers managing establishment as well as propagation. The eight-ounce bottle comes with a flip-top cap and induction safety seal. Safety information says it contains plant nutrients, not food, and advises keeping it away from children and pets.

Skip it if you want a product with a specified active IBA percentage; Cute Farms Root Drops lists 0.025% IBA in its formula.

Houseplant growers seeking a liquid formula featuring seaweed extract and humic acid may find this an appropriate propagation option. The supplied details do not state an application dose, so it may not suit buyers who need that specification upfront.

Listed on Amazon as: Houseplant Prop Drops, Cutting Rooting Hormone & Propagation Promoter, 8 oz