When and How to Use Root Stimulators

Root stimulators are an invaluable aid during germination, transplanting and taking cuttings. But how and when should they be used correctly, and why are root stimulators also useful during vegetative growth and flowering? You can find answers to these and other common questions about root stimulators in the following article.

Root stimulators contain natural or synthetic substances that promote root development in plants. The most important components of root stimulators include:

• Auxins – plant hormones that promote cell division and elongation in the root system.
• Humic and fulvic acids – natural substances that improve the physical and biological properties of the soil and nutrient availability.
• Mycorrhiza – beneficial soil fungi that live on plant roots, helping plants absorb nutrients and water more effectively.

Using root stimulators helps plants especially during germination, transplanting and cloning, but they can be used throughout the entire cultivation cycle.

How to use root stimulators?

1. During germination

Root stimulators are most effective during the first days and weeks of a plant’s life, when the root system develops very quickly. If you are growing in soil or with organic fertilizers, treat the seeds before germination with one of the root stimulators with mycorrhiza, for example Orca Liquid Mycorrhizae or Ugro Rhiza 1200. The beneficial fungi will colonize the roots from the earliest moments of the plant’s life, helping them develop quickly and protecting seedlings from pathogens.

If you are growing hydroponically or using mineral fertilizers, look for root stimulators that do not contain mycorrhizal fungi or other beneficial microorganisms. Those organisms need a suitable environment to live and will quickly die in the presence of mineral salts. You can choose from a wide range of root stimulators suitable for mineral fertilizers and hydroponics, for example Plagron Start Up or Canna Start.

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2. During transplanting and planting

Transplanting is stressful for plants and often leads to transplant shock, which manifests as wilting, slowed growth and reduced vitality. Using a root stimulator at transplanting will help plants recover faster. It is best to apply the root stimulator both before planting directly around the roots and into the soil immediately after planting.

Root stimulators for growth should be chosen based on the fertilizers you use and the substrate you grow in. Most fertilizer manufacturers also supply a suitable root stimulator for their feeding programs. Alternatively, you can use some of the popular universal root stimulators, such as Canna Rhizotonic, BioBizz Root Juice or Advanced Hydroponics Root Stimulator.

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3. When taking cuttings

Taking cuttings is a delicate process and if new roots do not form quickly on the cut shoots, all your hard work will be wasted. When cloning, we recommend using gel or liquid rooting stimulators containing auxins, such as Clonex Rooting Gel, Stimulax, Shogun Start, Canna Start.

You might be interested in: Taking cuttings: Cloning plants step by step

4. During the cultivation cycle

Although most of us reach for root stimulators most often during the early growth stages, their use benefits plants throughout the entire cultivation cycle. During the vegetative phase, root stimulators accelerate the development of the root system, which supports plant health and resilience against pests, pathogens and stress. During flowering they improve nutrient uptake and contribute to a richer harvest.

For regular application, use the root stimulator recommended by your fertilizer manufacturer, or choose one based on the type of substrate and fertilizer you use.

• Root stimulators for growing in soil with organic fertilizers: BioNova BN Roots, Advanced Nutrients Voodoo Juice, Organic Nutrients Mykoriza, Canna BIO Rhizotonic, BioBizz Root Juice, Terra Aquatica Root Booster, Organics Nutrients BIG Start, Advanced Hydroponics Bacto Force, Xtreme Gardening Mykos
• Root stimulators for growing with mineral fertilizers: Canna Rhizotonic, Shogun Katana Roots, Plagron Power Roots, Atami B’cuzz Root Stimulator, Metrop Root+
• Root stimulators for hydroponics and inert substrates: Advanced Nutrients B-52, Advanced Hydroponics Root Stimulator, Atami Rootbastic, Plagron Hydro Roots

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