What is a homemade rooting agent and why use lentils?
A homemade rooting agent It is a natural solution made from affordable, chemical-free products that facilitates the development of new roots in plants, especially in cuttings or layering. Use lentils as the basis of this rooting agent is an increasingly common practice in horticulture and organic gardening, since during the germination of lentils a large amount of is produced auxins, plant phytohormones that play a key role in root formation and growth.
The auxins present in lentil germination water stimulate the development of secondary roots in freshly cut stems, thus improving the success rate of plant multiplication. Furthermore, the rooting agent made from lentils is completely natural. for all Economic commitment and easy to prepare at home.
Benefits of lentil rooting agents compared to commercial products
- It is a natural and ecological method, perfect for urban gardens, home gardens and sustainable agriculture.
- does not contain chemicals nor toxic components that could harm the ecosystem or the plants.
- It is economical and can be made with common household ingredients.
- Promotes the production of strong and healthy roots, increasing the success rate in cuttings.
- It is also used for air layering and cuttings in water or substrate., with excellent compatibility.
- It allows you to take advantage of organic remains for compost or vermicomposting.
- Avoid the use of expensive, fast-acting but less sustainable commercial products.
The main benefit lies in the high success rate in rooting cuttings, especially in difficult species, avoiding the use of synthetic phytohormones or industrial rooting agents.
How homemade lentil rooting works
During the germination of lentil seeds, these release auxins in water. Auxins are plant hormones responsible for regulating cell growth, root formation, and inducing cell division in plant tissues.
La application of this natural rooting agent On cuttings or freshly cut stems it stimulates the appearance of adventitious roots, achieving:
- Better and faster rooting of cuttings and layering.
- Development of stronger roots and healthy.
- Increased plant tolerance to stress during transplantation.
- More efficient absorption of water and nutrients, favoring future growth.
Which plants benefit from lentil rooting?
This rooting agent is ideal for a wide variety of plant species which are reproduced by cuttings or air layering. These include:
- Ornamental leafy plants, such as pothos, philodendrons, ficus and dracaenas.
- Aromatics: rosemary, sage, lavender, oregano and mint.
- Fruit trees: fig, vine, currant, pomegranate, mulberry, among others.
- Indoor plants.
- Shrubs and climbers, such as jasmine or bougainvillea.
Not recommended Apply this rooting agent to plants that already have a developed root system or to adult plants, as it can cause hormonal imbalances. Its use is especially indicated for fresh cuttings and unrooted stems.
Materials needed to make lentil rooting agent
To prepare a homemade rooting step by step you just need:
- 100 grams of lentils (you can use any variety: brown, blond, red, etc.)
- 1 liter of water (preferably filtered or mineral)
- Large glass or plastic container
- Fine strainer or cheesecloth
- Blender or mixer
- Clean jars or bottles for storage
- Label to identify the preparation
Step by step: how to prepare homemade rooting agent with lentils
- Weigh and wash the lentils. Use about 100 grams of dried lentils. Rinse them under running water to remove any dust or impurities.
- Soak. Place the lentils in a container with 1 liter of water. Cover them with a cloth and let them rest for 8 to 12 hours.
- Drain and retain water. After a while, separate the water (store it in the refrigerator) and leave the lentils moist, not soaked.
- Promote germination. Remove excess water and leave the moistened lentils in the covered container in a warm, dark place. Spray with water if they dry out.
- Wait for germination. Within 2 to 4 days the lentils should begin to germinate, showing visible roots.
- Liquefy. Once germinated, add the half of the reserved water and blend the sprouted lentils in a blender or mixer until you get a smooth paste.
- Strain. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, cheesecloth, or a clean cloth, removing as much liquid as possible and discarding any solids (they can go into the compost).
- Dilute. The liquid obtained is a auxin concentrate. Before use, dilute 1 part of the concentrate in 10 parts of water to avoid excess hormones in the cuttings (for example, 50 ml of concentrated rooting agent in 500 ml of water).
- Store. Store in an airtight bottle in the refrigerator. The mixture will last up to 15 days when refrigerated. Always label the container with the preparation date.
How to use homemade lentil rooting agent
- In cuttings: Soak the base of the cuttings in the diluted solution for a few hours (preferably between 2 and 8 hours, or even overnight). Then, plant the cuttings in moist soil or a suitable substrate.
- Direct irrigation: You can water the substrate of the newly planted cuttings with the rooting agent.
- Cuttings in water: Add some of the rooting agent to the water where the cuttings are, changing the water every 24-48 hours the first week to avoid fermentation.
- Aerial layering: Carefully inject the solution into the layering substrate or spray the area where you want to stimulate new roots.
Do not use lentil rooting agent on adult plants or those with developed roots. Its use should be limited to fresh cuttings, so as not to alter the hormonal balance of established plants.
Tips and tricks for effective use
- Choose quality lentils, preferably organic and without antifungal treatments that could hinder germination.
- Control the temperature during germination: warm environments favor the process.
- Always maintain hygiene of the containers used to prevent the proliferation of fungi or bacteria.
- Don't forget to dilute the concentrate, since an excess of auxins can be counterproductive.
- Use discarded fiber in the compost to take advantage of all the nutrients.
Why is cinnamon important as a supplement?
La cinnamon powder It is an excellent complement to homemade lentil rooting for two main reasons:
- Act like natural fungicide, preventing the appearance of fungi and diseases at the base of the cuttings.
- It helps seal cuts and promotes healing of plant tissue.
Before planting your cuttings after soaking them in the rooting agent, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon on the base. This will provide maximum protection and stimulate root development.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Lentils that do not germinate: If you don't see roots after several days, try repeating the initial soak or change brands, as some lentils are treated to prevent sprouting.
- Unpleasant smell: If the rooting agent smells off, it has fermented and shouldn't be used. Prepare a new batch and keep it refrigerated.
- Cloudy or moldy solution: Indicates contamination. Wash everything thoroughly before repeating.
- Excessive use of concentrate: Remember to dilute to avoid damage to the stems.
How long does homemade rooting with lentils last?
El Homemade lentil rooting agent lasts about 15 days if kept refrigerated. and in a tightly sealed container. After this time, it may lose effectiveness or spoil. It is advisable to prepare only the amount you will use in one or two batches of cuttings.
Other complementary homemade rooting agents
If you want to combine methods to improve the rooting of your plants, you can alternate the lentil rooting agent with other natural rooting agents, such as:
- Coffee: Boiled and diluted ground coffee stimulates the roots thanks to its active compounds.
- Aloe vera: Its gel contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes that promote growth and protect against fungi.
- Cinnamon: In addition to being a fungicide, it helps stimulate root growth.
Don't mix all the rooting agents at once; alternate their use depending on the type of cutting and your preferences.
Frequently asked questions about homemade rooting with lentils
- Does it work on all plant species? Most plants propagated by cuttings respond well to lentil rooting agents, although some species may require more specific hormones.
- How long should I soak the cuttings? Between 2 and 8 hours is usually sufficient. In some cases, it's left overnight to increase absorption.
- Can I store the rooting agent at room temperature? No, it is always best to keep it in the refrigerator to avoid fermentation.
- Can rooting agent be used on cuttings in water? Yes, simply add a little of the diluted solution and change the water regularly.
Is homemade lentil rooting safe for organic gardens?
Yes. This method is completely suitable for organic farming, does not introduce polluting waste and contributes to the Sustainability and circularity of resources in the garden. In addition, the leftovers from the preparation can be used in compost to enrich the substrate.
Advantages and disadvantages of homemade rooting with lentils
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Economical and easy to prepare | Perishes in 15 days; requires refrigeration |
| Contains no chemicals or toxins | It acts more slowly than industrial ones |
| Suitable for organic farming | Not suitable for adult plants |
| Allows you to use leftovers in compost | It requires a certain amount of hygiene in its preparation. |
