| Scenario | Stock | Target | Final volume | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Softwood quick dip | 1% (10,000 ppm) | 1,000 ppm | 1,000 mL | 100 mL stock + 900 mL diluent |
| Semi-hardwood quick dip | 5,000 ppm | 2,000 ppm | 500 mL | 200 mL stock + 300 mL diluent |
| Powder blend | Purity 98% | 0.3% w/w | 50 g total | 0.153 g active + 49.847 g carrier |
Understanding Rooting Hormone Strength
Rooting hormones are commonly expressed as ppm or percent, and choosing an appropriate strength reduces callus burn and improves first-root timing. For most home propagation, quick-dip solutions in the 500–8,000 ppm range cover softwood through hardwood cuttings. Tender species often respond best near the low end, while thick, woody stems may need higher values. If leaves wilt after treatment, reduce strength or shorten exposure carefully.
Dilution Planning with C1V1=C2V2
When you have a concentrate, accurate dilution is the fastest path to a repeatable mix. The calculator applies C1×V1=C2×V2 so you can scale from a 100 mL batch to a liter without guessing. Converting 1% to 10,000 ppm keeps units consistent across labels and recipes. Use measuring tools, and mix stock before topping up to the final mark to avoid concentration drift.
Matching Method to Exposure Time
Application time matters as much as concentration. Quick dips (5–10 seconds) rely on a stronger solution because exposure is brief. Soaks use much weaker mixes because the cutting base sits in solution for hours. Selecting “Soak” shifts the suggested target downward to reflect longer contact. As a rule, increase concentration only after you confirm good hydration, humidity, and sharp cuts.
Powder Blends for Repeated Use
Powder is convenient for batch work and reduces measurement steps at the bench. The powder mode calculates active ingredient mass using your desired percent (w/w) and label purity, then assigns the remainder to an inert carrier such as talc. A common gardening range is 0.1%–0.8% w/w. To prevent clumping, keep powders dry, tap off excess, and never return used powder to the container.
Records, Storage, and Quality Control
Keeping consistent records is the easiest way to improve success rates. Save your CSV or PDF after each batch and note species, cutting age, temperature, and rooting time. Store solutions in labeled containers and discard mixes that show cloudiness, contamination, or unknown age. For best comparability, keep one “standard” recipe and change only one variable per trial.
PPM means “parts per million,” commonly mg/L for water-based mixes. It’s useful for small batches because you can set precise strengths without using tiny percent values.
For dilute water-like solutions, 1% is about 10,000 ppm. The calculator converts between these units so your stock label and target recipe stay consistent.
Quick dips use higher concentration for seconds. Soaks use lower concentration for hours. If you’re new to propagation, quick dip is usually simpler and reduces overexposure risk.
Store in a labeled, sealed container away from light and heat. If it becomes cloudy, changes odor, or you can’t confirm the date, discard it and mix fresh.
Powder is convenient and fast at the bench. Liquid or gel is helpful when you want controlled, repeatable dosing. Choose the form that fits your workflow and hygiene practices.
Darkening can come from excess hormone, poor sanitation, or waterlogged media. Reduce strength, improve airflow and cleanliness, and ensure your mix and tools are fresh and disinfected.
- C1 × V1 = C2 × V2 for dilution (stock-to-final).
- V1 = (C2 × V2) / C1, where concentrations share units.
- Conversion: 1% ≈ 10,000 ppm (mg/L) for dilute solutions.
- Powder blend: active_g = total_g × (%/100) ÷ (purity/100).
- Carrier: carrier_g = total_g − active_g.
- Select a mode: dilution for liquids/gels, or powder blend.
- Choose cutting type, method, and sensitivity for guidance.
- Enter your stock and target strength, then final volume.
- Press Calculate to see mix amounts above the form.
- Download CSV or PDF to store your batch record.