Honey Rooting Hormone: Does Honey Help Plant Cuttings Root?

What rooting hormones do

Commercial rooting hormones contain synthetic auxins, such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Auxins are plant hormones that signal cells at the base of a cutting to form roots. They are especially helpful for woody plants and species that root slowly. Honey contains no auxins, so it cannot trigger root formation in the same way.

Why gardeners use honey

The theory is that honey's natural antimicrobial properties, which come from its low water content, acidity and small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, may help keep fungi and bacteria from rotting the cut end while the plant forms roots on its own. Honey is also inexpensive, nontoxic and already in most kitchens.

What a field trial found

Master Gardeners at the University of Hawaiʻi compared diluted honey with commercial auxin products and untreated controls on several species. Honey rooted ground cover plants as well as or better than hormone, but for a woody hibiscus, commercial hormone rooted 44 percent of cuttings while honey rooted 18 percent. The authors noted limits: one site, one honey concentration and no statistical analysis.

What this means for home gardeners

For plants that root easily, such as pothos, coleus, mint, basil, tradescantia and many ground covers, honey may help a little or not at all, since they root well on their own. For woody plants like roses, hibiscus and fruit trees, a commercial rooting hormone is more reliable. Honey is a fun, low-cost experiment, not a sure thing.

How to make a honey dip

Bring two cups of water to a boil, remove from heat, and stir in one tablespoon of honey until dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature. Dip the cut ends of fresh cuttings in the solution, then plant them in moist potting mix or perlite. Store extra in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.

• 2 cups boiled water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Cool completely
• Dip cut ends
• Plant in moist mix

Taking good cuttings

Choose healthy, non-flowering stems. Cut just below a leaf node with clean, sharp pruners. Remove lower leaves so no foliage sits in the soil. Keep cuttings out of direct sun in a warm, bright spot, and keep the mix moist but not soggy. A plastic bag or dome over the pot holds humidity.

Easy plants to try

Coleus, pothos, philodendron, spider plant offsets, mint, basil, rosemary, lavender, hydrangea and willow are good candidates. Many root in water alone, so you can compare honey-dipped and plain cuttings side by side to see if it makes a difference in your conditions.

Other homemade rooting aids

Willow water, made by soaking chopped willow stems, contains natural compounds that some gardeners believe help rooting. Cinnamon is dusted on cuttings for its antifungal reputation. Aloe vera gel is another folk option. Evidence for all of them is limited, much like honey.

When to use commercial hormone

For valuable or hard-to-root plants, softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings of shrubs and trees, or large propagation projects, commercial rooting hormone is the better choice. Follow the label and wear gloves.

Common mistakes

Using undiluted honey can leave a thick, sticky coating that may attract insects and hold too much moisture. Old or fermenting solutions can grow mold. Planting cuttings too deep, overwatering and too much sun cause far more failures than the choice of rooting aid.

Kitchen honey vs garden honey

Any honey works for a rooting dip. Use a small amount from your everyday jar, such as Raw Clover Honey, harvested in New York State. Keep your good spoons for the garden separate from the kitchen.

Honey and bees in the garden

If you garden, you can also help the bees that make honey by planting flowers that bloom from spring to fall. Our article on bee friendly lawn ideas has simple steps.

The takeaway on honey rooting hormone

Honey rooting hormone is a misnomer: honey has no auxins, but a diluted dip may help some easy plants by keeping the cut end clean. A small trial found it worked for ground covers but not for a woody hibiscus. Try it for fun, and use commercial hormone for tough cuttings.

Honey for the kitchen and garden

Keep a jar of Raw Clover Honey or Raw Wildflower Honey for both. Save with a 3 jar or 6 jar pack of any honey, and orders over $50 ship free. Visit our shop.