How do you make homemade rooting hormone?

Rooting hormone helps plant cuttings develop into new specimens. The supplies required to make homemade rooting hormone are young willow branches, hot water, a bucket, a large lidded jar, masking tape, a slotted spoon, a funnel, a permanent marker and a refrigerator. It takes roughly 12 hours to make one batch.

1. Collect young willow branches

   Collect young, tender willow branches with green or yellow bark. Avoid specimens with grey or brown bark because they contain very little rooting hormone. Use branches from any willow species.

2. Prepare the branches

   Remove and discard the leaves. Chop the branches into 1-inch pieces and put them in a clean bucket.

3. Add boiling water

   Pour boiling water over the branches. Leave them submerged overnight.

4. Prepare the jar

   Rinse and dry a large lidded jar. Place a strip of masking tape on it, label the contents and record the date in permanent marker. Each batch of rooting hormone solution is viable for two months.

5. Strain the liquid

   Lift the branches out of the water with a slotted spoon. Discard or compost the pieces.

6. Decant the rooting hormone

   Place a funnel in the mouth of the jar and fill the vessel with the rooting hormone solution. Cap and refrigerate the jar when not in use.