Dip’N Grow – 16 oz

Dip ‘n Grow is a liquid concentrate rooting hormone used to stimulate root development in cuttings. The formula contains two active auxins — IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) and NAA (1-naphthaleneacetic acid) — dissolved in an alcohol base that keeps the working solution self-sanitizing between dips. This 16 oz bottle is widely used by commercial propagators, nurseries, and university research programs as a cost-effective alternative to powder or gel rooting agents.

Dip’N Grow 16 oz Specifications

Key technical details for Dip ‘n Grow 16 oz liquid rooting hormone concentrate.

Specification	Value
Brand	Greener Gardens
Product Name	Dip ‘n Grow
Container Size	16 oz
Product Form	Liquid concentrate
Active Ingredients	IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) and NAA (1-naphthaleneacetic acid)
Solvent / Carrier	Alcohol (self-sanitizing)
Product Category	Rooting hormone / propagation additive
Shipping Weight	3.00 lb
SKU	043805261276

Why Choose Dip ‘n Grow

Dip ‘n Grow has been in commercial use at nurseries and university propagation programs for decades. The reasons propagators keep returning to it come down to a few practical advantages:

• Dual-auxin formula: The combination of IBA and NAA addresses a broader range of cutting types than single-auxin products. IBA is widely regarded as the primary driver of adventitious root initiation; NAA supports rooting in species that respond less readily to IBA alone.
• Alcohol-based, self-sanitizing: Because alcohol is the solvent, the working solution does not accumulate pathogens between dips. Cross-contamination between batches — a real concern with gel and powder rooting agents — is substantially reduced.
• Liquid concentrate that dilutes to strength: A single 16 oz bottle produces a large volume of working solution when diluted to the appropriate concentration for the species and cutting type. This makes it more economical per use than equivalently priced gel or powder products.
• Established track record: The formula has documented use across professional nursery and university settings, which means propagation rate data is available in the literature, not just on the label.
• No single-use waste: Unlike pre-mixed gels sold in small unit-dose packs, the concentrate format allows you to mix only what you need for a given propagation run.

Best Uses for Dip ‘n Grow

Dip ‘n Grow is designed for stem cutting propagation across a wide range of plant types. The following scenarios reflect the core use cases the product was developed for:

• Softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings: The most common use. Stem cuttings taken during the vegetative stage are dipped briefly in a diluted working solution, then transferred to a rooting medium. The dual-auxin formula is suitable for a broad range of herbaceous and woody ornamental species.
• Indoor garden and hydroponic mother-plant programs: Growers maintaining mother plants for continuous cutting cycles rely on a consistent, scalable rooting agent. The concentrate format is practical for propagation trays of 50–200+ cuttings per run. If you are also using a dedicated root stimulator in your reservoir, pairing it with a product like Heavy 16 Roots for the established plant stage keeps root health through the full growth cycle.
• Nursery and greenhouse batch propagation: Propagators working at scale benefit from the alcohol-based carrier’s sanitation properties. A single solution batch can be used across multiple trays of cuttings without re-mixing or replacing the solution after each tray, as long as the solution remains clear.
• Seed-starting programs: The canonical description notes use as a seed-starting product, suggesting applicability in germination support alongside cutting propagation.
• Species that require dual-auxin support: Some woody and semi-tropical plant species root more reliably with both IBA and NAA present. If single-auxin powders have produced inconsistent results with a particular species, the dual-auxin formulation may improve take rates.

Dip ‘n Grow vs Powder and Gel Rooting Agents

The main alternatives to a liquid concentrate rooting hormone are powder-form products (such as Rootone or generic IBA powder) and gel-form products. Each format has a different set of trade-offs for the propagator.

Liquid concentrate vs powder: Powder rooting agents are applied by dipping the cut end of the stem directly into the powder. This creates a localized deposit of auxin at the wound site, but it also introduces a contamination vector — any pathogen on the cutting can be deposited back into the powder container. Dip ‘n Grow’s alcohol carrier addresses this because the solution does not support pathogen survival in the same way a dry powder does. Additionally, powders typically contain only IBA, not the IBA/NAA combination.

Liquid concentrate vs gel: Gel products adhere to the cut stem well and are convenient for small-scale propagation. However, gel products are typically pre-mixed at a fixed concentration, which means you cannot adjust the hormone concentration for different species or cutting types. Dip ‘n Grow diluted to different ratios with water allows the propagator to target soft-, semi-, or hard-wood dilution strengths from a single bottle. Gels are also more expensive per effective dose at scale.

Liquid concentrate vs single-auxin IBA-only liquids: Products containing only IBA work well for a broad range of herbaceous and ornamental species. The addition of NAA in Dip ‘n Grow may improve results for species or cultivars that are less responsive to IBA alone. If you are uncertain which product suits a particular species, starting with the dual-auxin liquid and observing rooting rates provides a practical baseline.

For those looking to support the rooted cutting’s ongoing development, a dedicated rooting additive like Advanced Nutrients Tarantula can be used to colonize the root zone with beneficial microbes after cuttings have established.

Compatibility

Dip ‘n Grow is compatible with the following growing methods and media:

• Rooting media: Works with rockwool cubes, perlite, coco coir, peat-based mixes, and standard propagation trays filled with any well-draining rooting medium.
• Propagation environments: Suitable for use in humidity domes, cloning chambers, aeroponic cloners, and standard greenhouse propagation benches. The alcohol-based carrier evaporates quickly, making it compatible with enclosed propagation environments without lingering solvent residue on rooting media.
• Hydroponic systems: Dip ‘n Grow is applied before the cutting is placed into the rooting medium, not added to a nutrient reservoir. It is not a reservoir additive, so it has no direct interaction with hydroponic nutrient solutions. Once roots are established, the plant can be transitioned to any hydroponic system.
• Plant types: The dual-auxin formula has documented use across herbaceous perennials, ornamental woody shrubs, fruiting and flowering indoor garden species, and a wide range of tropical and subtropical cuttings. It is not formulated specifically for any single plant family.
• Other propagation products: Dip ‘n Grow is applied at the cutting stage. It does not replace wilting-prevention sprays, antifungal drenches, or humidity management products used during the rooting phase. These can be used concurrently without interaction.

Manufacturer-published operating temperature range and specific dilution ratios for hard-wood versus soft-wood cuttings are detailed on the product label. Follow label directions for dilution strengths specific to the cutting type being propagated.

Usage Guidelines

Dip ‘n Grow is a concentrate that must be diluted with water before use. The alcohol carrier ensures the working solution is self-sanitizing, but correct dilution is essential for effective rooting without causing hormone toxicity at the cut site.

1. Prepare the working solution: Dilute the concentrate with water at the ratio specified on the label for the cutting type. Softer-stemmed cuttings typically require a lower concentration; semi-hardwood and woody cuttings use a higher concentration. Use a clean, calibrated measuring tool to mix the solution in a small dipping container.
2. Prepare cuttings: Take cuttings using a clean, sharp blade. Make a clean angled cut just below a node. Remove lower leaves that would be submerged in the rooting medium.
3. Dip the cutting: Immerse the cut end of the stem in the prepared working solution for the time period noted on the label — typically a brief dip of a few seconds to several minutes depending on the species and cutting type. Do not soak longer than recommended.
4. Transfer to rooting medium: After dipping, place the cutting directly into pre-moistened rooting medium. Make a pilot hole in the medium first with a pencil or dibber to avoid wiping the hormone solution off the stem.
5. Maintain humidity: Cover the propagation tray with a humidity dome or place in a humidity-controlled environment. Reduce humidity gradually as roots develop, typically over 10–21 days depending on species.
6. Sanitize the dipping container: Because the alcohol carrier is self-sanitizing, the same working solution can typically be used across multiple cuttings in a single session. However, discard and replace the working solution if it becomes cloudy or visibly contaminated.

For ongoing root health after cuttings are established, incorporating a root-zone additive such as Earth Juice Hi-Brix Molasses as a mild carbohydrate supplement can support microbial populations in organic media during early vegetative growth.

Sources & Further Reading