When and how to use root stimulators

Root stimulators are an invaluable aid for 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 will find the answers to these and other common questions about root stimulators in the following article.

Root stimulators contain natural or synthetic substances that support root development in plants. The most important ingredients in root stimulators include:

• Auxins – plant hormones that support the division and elongation of cells 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, where they help 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 growing 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 its root system develops very quickly. If you are growing in soil or with organic fertilisers, 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 colonise the roots from the very first moments of the plant’s life, help them develop quickly and protect the seedlings from pathogens.

If you grow hydroponically or use mineral fertilisers, look for root stimulators that do not contain mycorrhizal fungi or other beneficial microorganisms. These require a life-suitable environment and die quickly in the presence of mineral salts. You can choose from a wide range of root stimulators suitable for growing with mineral fertilisers and in hydroponics, for example Plagron Start Up or Canna Start.

You may also be interested in: 7 most common mistakes during germination and how to avoid them

2. During transplanting and planting

Transplanting is stressful for plants and often leads to transplant shock, which is shown by wilting, slowed growth and reduced vitality. Using a root stimulator during transplanting helps plants recover more quickly. It is best to apply the root stimulator both before planting directly around the plant roots and into the soil immediately after planting.

Root stimulators for growth should be chosen according to which fertilisers you use and the substrate you grow in. Most fertiliser manufacturers also supply a suitable root stimulator with their nutrition programmes. Alternatively, you can use one of the popular universal root stimulators, such as Canna Rhizotonic, BioBizz Root Juice or Advanced Hydroponics Root Stimulator.

You may also be interested in: How to properly pre-grow seedlings

3. During taking cuttings

Taking cuttings is a delicate process, and if new roots do not grow quickly on the taken shoots, all your hard work will come to nothing. When cloning, we recommend using gel or liquid rooting stimulators containing auxins, such as Clonex Rooting Gel, Stimulax, Shogun Start, Canna Start.

You may also be interested in: Taking cuttings: cloning plants step by step

4. During the growing cycle

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

For regular application, use the root stimulator recommended by your fertiliser manufacturer, or choose according to the type of substrate and fertiliser.

• Root stimulators for growing in soil with organic fertilisers: 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 fertilisers: 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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