How do you use liquid root stimulator?

Question

Hi Everybody,

I have Wilson Transplanter liquid root stimulator, 5-15-5. The instructions on the bottle are vague. I mixed the solution according to directions, then what? I am cloning tomato plants, I took clippings and I put them in the solution I mixed in a glass, is this correct?

Answer 1

normally you use root stimulator when planting a potted  or container plant, when first planted in the ground.  you might try leaving some cuttings in a glass of solution to see if hair roots sprout, then plant them in potting medium as any other cutting.  haven't heard of doing this with  annuals like tomatoes.      

Answer 2

Hi! Your question intrigues me! I work at a Landscape Nursery and this year for my Bio. class, I did an experiment very similar to this. Except, I used a powder hormone--mixed with water. I let them grow for nearly 4 weeks. At the end of the 4th week, there were hardly any roots that had sprouted. My suggestion to you would be to take your clippings and put them in straight water for a couple of days, and then plant them in the dirt. There are vitamins and such the dirt can provide that the water can't. Once they are in the dirt, go ahead and use your hormone solution and water the plants with that. (That way, you can be sure that the clippins aren't being "over-hormonized" so-to-speak.) Don't water with the solution every time you water--every other is probably a safe bet. I really hope this helps. Another great resource is you local extension office. Or, you could even try a college horticulture department in the area. It' questions like these that test our knowledge!!!