Because of the numerous species of plants, it would be impossible to determine a rooting hormone concentration curve for all plants. Some general guidelines for ratios are 1 in 5 for hard woods, 1 in 10 for medium woods and 1 in 20 for softwoods and succulents. The point is to find a good median range for the largest amount of plants being propagated, usually the 1 in 10 range.(1) Too strong of a concentration may burn cuttings. If in doubt, a more diluent solution is best.

For a reference chart of parts-per-million see Parts-Per-Million Sheet in the technical reference section.

Reference:
(1) Dirr, Michael and Heuser, Charles. The Reference Manual Of Woody PlantPropagation. Athens, GA: Varsity Press, 1987.

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Note: You may find all current regulation changes in the Code of
Federal regulations (CFR 49). For more information on shipping call
your Parcel carriers hazmat representative.

a) Ornamental Trees: Dip’N Grow is safe to use on any ornamental trees. The active ingredient in Dip’N Grow, IBA, is considered a biochemical pesticide by 40 CFR §180 of the EPA. This category means that it has a nontoxic mode of action because it is used in low volumes, is target specific (only used on the tip of the cutting) and duplicates a naturally occurring process in plants.

b) Soak/Drench: Although Dip’N Grow contains the same active ingredients as some drench products, it is manufactured to produce root growth on cuttings.

c) Fungicide: Because of certain preservatives, Dip’N Grow is self-sanitizing so cross contamination problems are eliminated. Some growers have used extra precautions and have added a fungicide such as Captan® to the solution before dipping their cuttings.

Reference:
(1) Dirr, Michael. “The Latest On the Status of IBA and Other Root-Promoting Chemicals.” Nursery Manager, May 1994. Fort Worth, TX: Branch-Smith Publishing.

b) WPS Beginning in January 1994, new labeling appeared on Dip’N Grow that includes the new WPS (Worker Protection Standard) requirements for commercial usage. A copy of this standard as printed in 40 CFR §170 is available from Dip’N Grow, Inc. Please contact our sales staff for more information.

a) The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation
For a complete review of this book and ordering information for the Reference Manual please click here.

b) International Plant Propagation Society: Combined Proceedings.
For more information contact: 
The International Plant Propagators’ Society, Inc.
Washington Park Arboretum, XD-10
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
98195, U.S.A.

b) Root Zone Temperature: Within a temperature range, root development increases as temperatures rise. At temperatures above 77F°, root formation was slowed and at 100F° root growth stopped. The concentration of IBA needed to induce root growth decreased as root zone temperature increased. Higher temperatures cannot replace the benefits of IBA but allow the product to work effectively at lower concentrations. Increasing the root zone temperature also increased the occurrence of rotting, but disease outbreaks can be reduced through strict sanitation procedures in the propagation area. Root zone temperature can be controlled thermostatically through recirculating water systems, heating pads, or heating cables.(1)

c) Light Levels: A common factor acting on cuttings is light stress, which can kill unrooted cuttings. The cuttings are stressed because of being cut from the plant and may remain so until they form roots. A way which may reduce stress is shading. Shading at around 50% is very common among propagators, but remember the need for shade can be different for different plants and timing of cuttings. Research suggests using lower light levels until root growth forms and then increasing the light to stimulate the new roots. It is best to balance out enough light to encourage photosynthesis, and growing environment that minimizes stress. The best way to decrease stress is with 50% saran shade cloth. Considerable evidence exists showing that direct light inhibits root emergence. So keep cuttings cool on top and warm below.(1)

d) Photoperiod: The length of day/night has long been known to influence plant growth. Many plants show bud break and shoot growth with longer photoperiods. Semi-hardwood or hardwood stage of growth are often more difficult to root. Longer photoperiods show an antagonism between flowering and rooting, so avoid rooting cuttings under photoperiods that promote flowering or dormancy. An increased growth improves the overwinter survival of cuttings after initial rooting takes place.(1)

e) Planting mediums: Most plants do well in a mixture of 2 parts coarse perlite to 1 part spagnum peat. Generally there is not a benefit to adding a fertilizer into the rooting medium until the roots have formed. A well drained growing mix is essential to avoid root rot of many cuttings.(2)

References:
(1) Geneve, Robert L. Maynard, Brian K. Preece, John E. Combined Proceedings. International Plant Propagator’s Society. Vol. 43, Seattle, WA: International Plant propagator’s Society, Inc., 1993.
(2) Dirr, Michael and Heuser, Charles. The Reference Manual Of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens, GA: Varsity Press, 1987.

a) Softwood/Succulents: The emerging growth of most plants are classified as softwood. Things to look for are cuttings that can be easily bruised with a nail, cuttings that can be  easily broken and cuttings that wilt rapidly. To avoid wilting, softwood or succulent cuttings should be kept cool and moist. Very softwood cuttings may rot.(1)
b) Semi-hardwood: May be applied to broadleaf evergreens when the wood is firm and leaves have matured.(1)
c) Hardwood: Deciduous plants after they have lost their leaves in fall, needle evergreens and broadleaf evergreens. Cuttings for needle evergreens are usually rooted under greenhouse conditions.(1)

References:
(1) Dirr, Michael and Heuser, Charles. The Reference Manual Of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens, GA: Varsity Press, 1987.