BEST ROOTING HORMONES FOR WATER PROPAGATION 2025

When you're looking to propagate plants in water using a rooting hormone can significantly boost your chances of success. Rooting hormones help stimulate the growth of roots in cuttings, especially when placed in water, leading to healthier and more vigorous plants. In this article, we will explore some of the best rooting hormones for water propagation, focusing on popular products and their unique benefits.

Top 10 Best Rooting Hormones for Water Propagation 2025

1. Garden Safe Brand TakeRoot Rooting Hormone (2 oz, 2-Pack)

Garden Safe Brand TakeRoot Rooting Hormone is a highly effective and affordable product designed to help plant cuttings develop strong roots quickly. Whether you're propagating houseplants, shrubs, or flowers, this product is an essential tool for successful plant growth. The TakeRoot formula contains Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), a naturally occurring root hormone that promotes healthy root development, increasing the chances of successful propagation.

This rooting hormone is available in a convenient 2-ounce, 2-pack size, making it perfect for gardeners who frequently propagate plants or those with larger gardening projects. The powder form is easy to apply and works effectively in both water and soil propagation. Simply dip the cut end of your plant cutting into the powder before placing it in water or soil, and it will help stimulate root formation.

One of the major benefits of Garden Safe TakeRoot is that it is non-toxic and safe for use on edible plants, making it an ideal choice for those growing vegetables or herbs. The product is simple to use, and it’s especially beneficial for beginners, as it doesn’t require any complex steps.

With Garden Safe Brand TakeRoot Rooting Hormone, gardeners can enjoy quicker, more successful rooting of their cuttings, allowing them to expand their plant collections and grow new plants with ease. It’s an essential product for anyone looking to propagate plants with confidence.

2. Bonide Bontone II Rooting Powder (1.25 oz)

Bonide Bontone II Rooting Powder is a trusted and effective solution for gardeners looking to promote healthy root growth in their plant cuttings. This easy-to-use powder contains Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), a plant hormone that stimulates rapid root development, ensuring your cuttings root successfully and grow into healthy plants.

Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, Bontone II is ideal for propagating a variety of plants, including houseplants, shrubs, trees, and ornamental plants. Whether you’re growing roses, geraniums, or vegetables, this rooting powder helps speed up the rooting process, giving your plants a better chance of thriving.

The 1.25-ounce container is compact yet effective, offering a long-lasting supply for multiple propagation projects. Applying Bontone II is simple: just dip the cut end of your plant cutting into the powder and place it into your desired medium, whether it’s water or soil. The powder adheres well, ensuring that the rooting hormone is directly in contact with the cutting, where it’s needed most.

Bonide Bontone II Rooting Powder is also versatile, helping with a wide range of plant types, especially those that may be difficult to root. It’s a reliable, affordable option for gardeners at all experience levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned horticulturist, Bontone II is a valuable tool in your plant propagation efforts, offering increased success and healthier root systems for your cuttings.

3. HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Compound (100 ml)

HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Compound is a highly regarded rooting hormone, designed to encourage fast and vigorous root development in cuttings. Available in a convenient 100 ml size, it’s ideal for both amateur and professional gardeners looking to propagate plants with ease. The gel formulation is thick and easy to apply, ensuring precise coverage of the cutting’s base without unnecessary mess.

One of Clonex's standout features is its active ingredient, Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA), a potent auxin that stimulates root growth and helps ensure successful propagation. The compound also contains a mix of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that promote overall plant health, giving cuttings the best chance to thrive.

Users often praise Clonex for its effectiveness in rooting a wide variety of plants, from ornamental species to edible herbs. The gel’s consistency allows it to stay on the cutting without dripping off, leading to better absorption and root development. Additionally, it’s relatively easy to use—simply dip the cut end into the gel and place it in your preferred medium, whether soil or water.

While Clonex may come at a higher price point compared to powdered rooting hormones, its consistent performance and ease of use justify the investment. Overall, HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Compound is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for reliable, high-quality rooting hormone for their propagation needs.

4. Prop Drops by Market Botany | Propagation Plant Drops (4 oz)

Prop Drops by Market Botany is a liquid rooting solution designed to support plant propagation, providing an easy and effective way to encourage root growth in cuttings. Available in a 4 oz bottle, this product is perfect for those who want to simplify the propagation process and boost success rates with minimal effort.

The formula is based on a blend of natural ingredients, including plant hormones that promote root development. Prop Drops stand out for their gentle yet effective approach, making it suitable for a wide range of plant species, from houseplants to herbs and even more delicate varieties. The liquid form ensures even distribution and quick absorption, ensuring that the cuttings receive the maximum benefit from each drop.

Users particularly appreciate the ease of use. Unlike powders or gels, Prop Drops simply require adding a few drops to water, allowing the solution to activate and stimulate the rooting process. It’s a clean, no-mess solution that fits seamlessly into any propagation routine.

While it may not be as potent as some more traditional rooting hormones, Prop Drops are perfect for beginner gardeners or those looking for a more natural, low-maintenance option. The 4 oz bottle offers a good value, especially considering the ease of use and reliable results. Overall, Prop Drops by Market Botany is a solid choice for anyone interested in enhancing their plant propagation efforts with a straightforward, plant-friendly product.

5. RootBoost Rooting Hormone (2 oz)

RootBoost Rooting Hormone (2 oz) is a well-regarded product designed to enhance the rooting process for plant cuttings. Known for its efficiency and ease of use, RootBoost is a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts looking to propagate plants successfully, especially when trying to root more difficult species or achieve faster results.

This rooting hormone comes in a powdered form, which makes it simple to apply. Just dip the cut end of your stem into the powder and plant it in your desired medium. The active ingredient, Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA), is known for its effectiveness in promoting root development, ensuring cuttings establish strong, healthy roots. The 2 oz size offers a reasonable amount for frequent use, especially for smaller propagation projects.

Many users appreciate how quickly RootBoost works, leading to rapid and reliable rooting in a variety of plants, from houseplants to more hardy outdoor varieties. The powder’s consistency helps it cling to the cutting, ensuring better absorption of the rooting hormone.

While RootBoost is often praised for its effectiveness, some gardeners find powdered rooting hormones a bit messier compared to gels or liquids. However, the reliable results make it a worthy option for those who don’t mind the extra step.

Overall, RootBoost Rooting Hormone (2 oz) is a dependable and affordable solution for those looking to enhance their plant propagation efforts and achieve consistent, strong root growth.

6. Mycorrhizal Fungi for Soil - Trifecta Myco Supreme (Root Stimulator for Plants)

Trifecta Myco Supreme is a high-quality root stimulator that combines mycorrhizal fungi with beneficial bacteria and nutrients to promote healthy root development. This product is designed to enhance soil health and improve the overall growth of plants by fostering a symbiotic relationship between plant roots and beneficial microorganisms. Available in a convenient form, it’s perfect for gardeners looking to boost plant vitality and root establishment.

The key ingredient in Trifecta Myco Supreme is mycorrhizal fungi, which naturally form beneficial connections with plant roots, improving nutrient and water absorption. This encourages stronger root systems, faster growth, and healthier plants overall. Additionally, the blend of beneficial bacteria in the formula helps to break down organic matter, enriching the soil and supporting plant growth in a sustainable way.

Users particularly appreciate how easy it is to apply, as the product can be mixed into soil, used in transplanting, or added to watering solutions. Trifecta Myco Supreme is effective for a wide range of plants, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, and ornamental species. It is especially beneficial for transplanting, helping new plants establish faster and with more resilience.

While the product is a bit on the pricier side compared to standard fertilizers, its long-term benefits for soil health and plant growth make it a solid investment. Overall, Trifecta Myco Supreme is a powerful tool for gardeners seeking a natural, effective way to promote healthy root systems and plant growth.

7. Great White Mycorrhizal Fungi Root Enhancer by Plant Success (1 oz)

Great White Mycorrhizal Fungi Root Enhancer by Plant Success is a premium root enhancer that combines mycorrhizal fungi with beneficial bacteria and enzymes to promote robust root development and overall plant health. Available in a 1 oz package, it’s an ideal option for both home gardeners and professional growers seeking to enhance soil health and improve root establishment.

The product features a carefully crafted blend of 16 different strains of mycorrhizal fungi, which form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, improving nutrient uptake, water absorption, and soil structure. This encourages stronger, healthier roots, which translates to better plant growth and resilience, especially in stressed or newly transplanted plants. The inclusion of beneficial bacteria further supports soil health by aiding in the decomposition of organic material and improving nutrient availability.

One of the standout features of Great White Mycorrhizal Fungi Root Enhancer is its versatility. It can be used for a wide range of plants, from vegetables and herbs to flowers and trees. Gardeners appreciate how easy it is to apply—simply mix the powder into the planting hole or use it in a watering solution for quick and effective results.

While the 1 oz size may seem small, it is highly concentrated, making it a cost-effective choice for smaller projects. Overall, Great White Mycorrhizal Fungi Root Enhancer is a reliable, powerful tool for promoting healthy root growth and improving plant performance in a variety of gardening applications.

8. Hormex Rooting Powder #16 (1 Pack)

Hormex Rooting Powder #16 is a popular and highly effective rooting hormone designed to enhance the rooting process for plant cuttings. Known for its reliable results and ease of use, it has become a staple in the gardening community, especially for those looking to propagate a wide range of plants.

This rooting powder contains a high concentration of Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA), an active compound proven to stimulate root growth. The #16 formula is specifically tailored for more difficult-to-root plants, providing extra strength to help ensure success with challenging species. Whether you are working with houseplants, shrubs, or trees, Hormex Rooting Powder helps cuttings establish roots more quickly and robustly.

The powder is easy to apply—simply dip the cutting in water, then coat the cut end with the powder before planting it in the desired medium. Users appreciate the convenience and the fact that the powder adheres well to the cutting, maximizing its effectiveness. The 1-pack size offers great value, especially considering the small amount needed per use, which makes it last through multiple propagation projects.

While Hormex Rooting Powder #16 is more potent than other formulas, it does require careful handling to avoid over-application. Overall, this product offers excellent results at an affordable price, making it a trusted choice for gardeners seeking to boost success rates and achieve strong, healthy root systems in their plant propagation efforts.

9. Hydrofarm DG00201 Hormone Concentrate Hydroponic Rooting Solution, 2-Ounce

The Hydrofarm DG00201 Liquid Hormone Concentrate is a highly effective rooting solution designed specifically for hydroponic and soil propagation. With a 2-ounce bottle size, it’s perfect for growers who need a concentrated formula that delivers reliable and fast rooting results.

This liquid concentrate contains Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA), a plant hormone known for its ability to stimulate root development. Ideal for use with cuttings in hydroponic setups, it helps promote the formation of a healthy, vigorous root system, speeding up the rooting process. It’s a great choice for a variety of plants, from houseplants and herbs to vegetables and ornamental species.

One of the standout features of the Hydrofarm DG00201 is its versatility. The concentrate can be diluted to the desired strength, making it customizable depending on the plant species or the condition of the cutting. Gardeners particularly appreciate the ease of use, as it’s simply added to water or the hydroponic solution to kickstart rooting.

While the liquid form may require a bit more care in measurement compared to powdered rooting hormones, its precision and effectiveness make it a top choice for many. The 2-ounce bottle is long-lasting, offering good value for its price.

Overall, the Hydrofarm DG00201 Liquid Hormone Concentrate is a powerful, easy-to-use rooting solution that provides excellent results for hydroponic growers and gardeners looking to successfully propagate their plants.

10. Doff Hormone Rooting Powder (75g Dibber Pack)

Conclusion

Choosing the right rooting hormone for water propagation can make a significant difference in the success of your plant cuttings. Whether you prefer gels, powders, or liquids, there are a range of products that cater to different plant types and needs. Clonex and Hormex are excellent choices for those seeking premium performance, while products like Garden Safe TakeRoot and Bonide Bontone II provide reliable, budget-friendly options. If you’re looking to incorporate mycorrhizal fungi to enhance root health, Trifecta Myco Supreme and Great White Mycorrhizal Fungi offer excellent long-term benefits. Regardless of your choice, using rooting hormones will undoubtedly improve your chances of successful propagation!