A classic root activator is composed of various growth hormones for plants. It promotes rapid and vigorous root growth. Whether cuttings, young plants or lawn: there are suitable root activators for every need. We'll tell you what to look out for when buying.

A root activator provides the plants with everything they need for root formation

Our recommendations

our recommendation
Biobizz Root Juice 1L
37.83 EUR To the product
Ingredients (base) humic acid, algae
consistency fluid
packaging quality very good
packaging size 1L
price/l approx. EUR {PRICE/1}

Most Amazon reviewers report having excellent experiences with BioBizz's organic root activator. Some buyers even describe the fertilizer as the best plant rooting agent currently available on the market. There are also customers who have apparently been using the product for many years and are convinced of the quality. The results should speak for themselves. No other root activator has so many clearly positive reviews, which is why the root juice from BioBizz deserves first place in our comparative test.

our recommendation
Doff Hormone Rooting Powder 75 g
8.14 EUR To the product
Ingredients (base) growth hormones
consistency powdery
packaging quality very good
packaging size 75g
price/kg approx. EUR {PRICE/0.075}

The exciting thing about the powder from Doff is the formulation with growth hormones. Although some reviewers describe the powder as ineffective, the majority of buyers recommend this root activator. It also seems to be an excellent solution for hopeless cases. Another advantage is the low price. A little tip: If you choose this product, pay attention to the expiry date when it is delivered. Various reviewers state that they have received a copy that is no longer durable. In this case, you can exchange the activator and return the delivered product to Amazon free of charge.

our recommendation
COMPO AGROSIL Root Turbo, highly effective rooting aid, 0.7 kg
10.83 EUR To the product
Ingredients (base) silicon oxides, phosphates
consistency granulated
packaging quality Well
packaging size 700g
price/kg about {PRICE/0.7} EUR

COMPO itself defines the root turbo as a highly effective rooting aid that is said to be suitable for replanting roses and other shrubs, trees and lawns, as well as all green and flowering balcony and tub plants. The most important ingredient in this root activator is the silicate colloid. It keeps phosphate available, thereby optimizing the soil. The product is very popular with Amazon reviewers. A nice description is: "Power pack for roots and strong plants". A few buyers have also done a test and found that the plants treated with the product grow almost twice as fast.

Purchase Criteria

ingredients

The "real" root activators, which consist of the natural growth hormones indole-3-butyric acid, indole-3-acetic acid and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid as well as various solvents and fillers such as alcohol or talc, are only permitted in professional horticulture in Germany. Various alternatives are available for the hobby gardener. These include, for example, rooting powder made from algae extract. These products also contain natural growth hormones as well as nutrients and trace elements. Agents with soil additives such as silicate colloid are also suitable. They indirectly strengthen the roots by keeping phosphate available and thus enhancing the potting soil.

consistency

Most root activators have a powdery consistency. Rooting powder can be used in many ways. You can mix the activator with the potting soil, sprinkle it directly into the planting hole or dissolve it in the irrigation water. There is also the option of first dipping the cuttings into the powder and then planting them as usual. Alternatively, there are granulated, tablet-shaped, gel-like or liquid root activators, which are usually administered with the irrigation water. Lawn sand products that are enriched with root activators are recommended for the lawn. A good example of this is the Plantop lawn sand.

our recommendation
Plantop lawn sand with root activator 20 kg
16.89 EUR To the product

packaging size

Depending on the consistency, root activators are available in different packaging sizes. From 40 grams to 20 kilograms and from 50 milliliters to one liter, a lot is possible. We advise you to pay less attention to the content - i.e. the exact kilogram or liter specification - and to look more at the range of the respective product. How many plants can you supply with the activator and how often? In combination with the costs, these values provide information about the price-performance ratio.

packaging quality

It is an advantage if the powder, granules, tablets or gel is sold in a resealable package. This makes it easy for you to store the root activator optimally even after opening and to preserve the ingredients. However, granulate in particular often comes in a simple sack, as you know it from potting soil. Rarely does it come in resealable packaging. It is therefore better to use powder in a container with a practical screw cap or gel/liquid in a bottle-like container.

frequently asked Questions

What is a root activator?

A root activator is a rooting aid that stimulates root formation and thus promotes the growth of cuttings and young plants. It is available in different variants. The most common is rooting powder. Alternatively, root activators are also available as granules, in tablet form, as a gel or as a liquid.

For which plants is a root activator suitable?

Root activators are a tried and tested means, especially when propagating cuttings of woody plants or roses. Basically, the use of a root activator is recommended for most larger garden plants, including trees. Bonsai should also benefit from a root activator. There are even some products that are suitable for the lawn and, for example, help a turf to grow.

Which brands offer good root activators?

Both well-known and relatively unknown brands have high-quality root activators ready. The most popular manufacturers include Neudorff (primarily with the Neudofix products), Dehner, Compo (primarily with the Agrosil activators), Plantop, Cuxin and Floragard. The plant booster from Growsartig is creative in name and also promising in terms of quality.

our recommendation
Grow-like ALFA Boost All-IN-ONE Plant Booster with Triacontanol 1 liter. For flowering, growth and rooting. Increases yield. Certified organic, 100% organic and vegan.
37.99 EUR To the product

Where is the best place to buy a root activator?

You can find root activators from well-known brands in DIY stores, for example - for example at OBI, toom, Hornbach, Bauhaus, hagebaumarkt or Raiffeisen. You could also be lucky seasonally with the discounters Aldi and Lidl. However, you can enjoy the largest selection and the best test and comparison options at Amazon.

How much does a root activator cost?

Root activator prices vary widely. Depending on the manufacturer, composition, consistency (powder, granules, tablets, liquid or gel) and packaging size, you usually pay between five and 50 euros. Most products cost between 10 and 25 euros.

Can I make a root activator myself?

Yes, there are several ways to make rooting aids yourself. A popular household remedy is willow water. This is mainly because willows contain the important hormone indole-3-butyric acid and are therefore very effective for cuttings. Cinnamon, honey, and vinegar can also be used, not directly for root growth, but to kill fungi and bacteria.

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