Natural Rooting Potion: Propagate Plants Sustainably With Sprouted Lentils

Sometimes, when we fall in love with a plant and try to propagate it through cuttings, we worry — Will it root properly? Will it survive? Watching a beautiful cutting wilt without rooting can be disheartening. But there’s a simple, natural way to increase the success rate of propagation: a homemade rooting potion made from lentils!

This method works beautifully for a wide variety of cuttings — from roses to basil, rosemary, lavender, mint, tomatoes, and more. It’s easy, fully natural, and supports a greener, more sustainable way to garden.

1. 1 cup of lentils
2. 4 cups of water
3. A blender
4. A cloth or towel
5. A strainer
6. A dark, warm place
7. A container for soaking
8. A clean bottle or jar for storage

To begin your natural rooting potion, measure 1 cup of dry lentils and place them in a clean bowl or jar. Add 4 cups of fresh water, making sure the lentils are fully submerged. This is where the magic starts.

Now, cover the container with a cloth or towel — something breathable — and place it in a dark, warm spot like a cupboard or pantry. Let the lentils soak for about 8 hours. If you prefer, do this step at night so it’s ready the next morning.

🌱 Why this matters: During this soaking phase, the lentils begin to awaken and prepare for germination. This early stage activates enzymes and starts producing auxins, the natural plant hormones that will later help your cuttings grow roots.

After 8 hours, your lentils will be plump and ready for the next step in this eco-friendly rooting journey.

In the morning, carefully strain the lentils using a colander or fine sieve. Be gentle — you don’t want to dry them out completely! The lentils should stay slightly damp, as moisture is key to encouraging germination.

Save the dark soaking water — this liquid is packed with auxins and nutrients, and we’ll use it again soon.

Once drained (but still moist), cover the lentils again with the cloth and return them to their dark, warm resting place.

This rest period allows the lentils to slowly begin sprouting, releasing more natural rooting hormones into the soaking water.

By the second day, you’ll start to see the first signs of life — tiny sprouts may begin to peek out. To keep this natural process going strong, add some of the reserved soaking water back onto the lentils to rehydrate them.

Immediately after adding the water, drain it again thoroughly, ensuring the lentils remain moist but not waterlogged. This balance is crucial for healthy germination.

Cover the lentils once more and return them to their dark, warm spot for another day.

This gentle cycle of moistening and draining stimulates the lentils to release increasing amounts of auxins — the natural plant hormones that will help your cuttings develop strong roots.

After about four days of this soaking and draining routine, your lentils should be fully sprouted and bursting with natural rooting hormones.

Now, add the reserved soaking water back into the lentils, plus one extra cup of fresh water to make sure you have enough liquid for your potion.

Using a blender, puree the lentils and water together until you get a smooth, thick mixture.

Next, pour the mixture through a fine strainer or sieve. Use a spoon to press and extract as much liquid as possible — this dark, nutrient-rich liquid is your natural rooting hormone, ready to boost your plant cuttings!

Don’t discard the leftover lentil pulp! It’s a fantastic resource to feed your worms or add to your compost pile, turning it into rich organic worm humus that benefits your garden.

To use your natural rooting potion, dilute it by mixing 1 part concentrate with 10 parts water. This gentle solution is perfect for soaking your plant cuttings or watering them after planting.

Store the concentrate in a clean bottle or jar, and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and effective for about 15 days.

With this simple, homemade lentil rooting hormone, you’re not only increasing the chances of your cuttings thriving — you’re also nurturing the planet by choosing a natural, chemical-free method that reuses kitchen staples and supports healthy ecosystems.

Grow more plants, attract beneficial insects, and create green spaces that bring life and joy — all while being a true guardian of our Earth.

Let’s keep our planet green, one rooting potion at a time! 🌎💚