"If you are needing a rooting hormone for propagation this gel works amazingly. I will definitely be buying this again." Keli, Wellington

 

What is Clonex used for?

Since it came out 20+ years ago, Clonex has been the staple for indoor plant hobbyists and outdoor gardeners for plant propagation ever since, and still is. Yates Clonex works a treat for initiating root development and growth when propagating cuttings. 

What's Clonex Purple for?

There are 3 strengths in the Clonex range, Green, Purple and Red. It's Purple that's the all-rounder for both soft and semi hardwood cuttings - that's the domain of us indoor plant hobbyists. 

A softwood cutting is one taken at the plant's tip, where new growth is taking place. At the top of any stem will be the current season's growth which will usually be brighter green, soft and pliable (the softwood). Further down the stem is growth from earlier in the year, called semi-hardwood. It'll be older so is typically a darker green in colour. Towards the bottom of the stem is last year's (and older) growth, normally brown, woody and quite literally harder - which is why it's called hardwood.

When propagating indoor plants it'll mainly be softwood cuttings you'll be clipping and dipping, occasionally semi-hardwood. That's why Clonex Purple is our go-to.

What's in Clonex? 

Clonex contains a blend of root growth hormones, anti fungal agents, vitamins and minerals in a stable gel base.

The key ingredient is IBA which are synthetic Auxins. Auxins both initiate and promote new root growth. 

Clonex also contains anti-fungal agents to help protect delicate cuttings from nasty fungal and microbial infections and disease. It's also got 12 essential macro and micro nutrients to feed newly emerging roots the nutrients they need, at the moment and place they need them, plus vitamins to reduce propagation and transplant stress.

How do you use Clonex?

Quite literally dip and grow! Dip the freshly-snipped end of your cutting in to the Clonex gel to about 1.5cms, then plant in the substrate of your choice. Get the full cutting prep and Clonex directions for use here >

Unlike some powders and liquids, Clonex Rooting Hormone Gel is not mixed with talc, or dissolved in water. It instantly and completely seals the cut tissue, which does 2 things for your new cutting.

It helps prevent infection and disease getting in, and stops embolism (where air gets in and prevents the stem from taking up water - the same reason florists tell you to cut stems underwater). A dreaded embolism can be one reason your cuttings die instead of root and flourish. Being a gel, it also stays in direct contact with the stem throughout the rooting period. A benefit compared to growth hormones that are diluted and mixed with water.  

The humble Clonex Rooting Hormone Gel has been the subject of numerous scientific studies over the years. Clonex consistently outperformed propagating powders and liquids across a wide variety of plant species to deliver increased strike rates and production, along with quicker and more prolific root growth. 

Although they say you can dip your cutting directly in to the jar of Clonex, I'd recommend tipping some out in to a sterile container and dipping it that way so there's no risk of contaminating the rest. 

Once initial root growth starts, use Clonex Clone Solution rooting fertiliser until ready to pot up.

How should you store Clonex?

Since Clonex is stable, and in gel form, you can store it in any cool, dry place. It does not require fridge storage or any fancy prep. 

Reviews for Clonex

"I've had 100% success with clonex hormone gel, easy to use with no mess." Paul, Tauranga

"If you are needing a rooting hormone for propagation this gel works amazingly. I will definitely be buying this again." Keli, Wellington

"Have used this for years and makes a huge difference in strike rate." Sue, Tauranga

"This is the best rooting formula i have come across." Leigh, Palmerston North

"I brought Clonex around 3 weeks ago an I've tried it on my orchid shoot I looks like my shoot has some tiny roots that have just started to grow it's looking like a great product." Kelly, Opotiki