Make your own rooting hormone

To make rooting hormone soak the yellow-tipped shoots of a weeping willow tree in water. A tea made from the bark of a willow tree is also effective. When using the shoots or bark soak them for 24 hours prior to using.

1) Gather a handful of willow twigs. Fresh branches work best so avoid fallen and dead twigs. All varieties of willow contain indolebutyric acid which is the active ingredient needed in a rooting hormone. This acid acts to reduce the plant cuttings ability to stop growth at the place of the wound (where you cut the leaf or stem).

2) Cut the willow stems into pieces about two to four inches long. You will want about 1 cups of clippings to make one half gallon of rooting hormone.

3) In a large container pour boiling water over the clippings and allow the mixture to steep overnight.

4) Store the rooting hormone in the refrigerator in a sealed container. The mixture will be viable for up to two months.

Some people have found that using honey makes an effective rooting hormone as well.