Our experts offer tips on when and how to use rooting hormone while propagating plants. · learn about the different types of rooting hormones —synthetic and natural—and how to use them to grow healthy roots and boost plant propagation success Can you use rooting hormone while propagating plants? · when using rooting hormone it is best to take a bit of the hormone out of the container you bought, and place it in another small container, or flat dish. · while its a fairly simple process requiring little more than soil and sunlight, you can give mother nature a boost by incorporating rooting hormone into your process. Then, put the cutting with rooting hormone in a sterile, soilless growing medium and cover with plastic to retain humidity. You will need very little for each cutting. If needed, apply hormone to the leafs underside and press it onto the moist medium. How do you use rooting hormone with leaf cuttings? To use rooting hormone, take a plant cutting that includes a node (which contains buds). After applying the rooting hormone to your all of your cuttings, discard any that is left. · in general, to propagate a plant with rooting hormone , first clip a piece from the parent plant with a clean knife or scissors — stem cuttings are likely to work best, but the hormone can also work on roots and leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone (powder or liquid/gel) at the right concentration. How do you use rooting hormone? · apply rooting hormone to the base of the leaf or short stem, as with african violets, and plant it in a soilless mix. · in this article, we’ll explore what rooting hormones are, the different types available, how to use them effectively, and tips to maximize your propagation success. How does rooting hormone help plants grow?