Root Starter - Tuto
How does it work?
• Upon receipt, open the box and remove the grid and all its contents .
• Then fill the box with the biochar contained in the sachet.
• Equip yourself with stainless steel handling forceps and disposable gloves (surgical type) for this operation.
• Immerse the grid, as well as the bulb , in a 12% hydrogen peroxide bath, dosed at 5 ml per 1 L of water . Also dip the tweezers into the solution during this bath.
• After 15 minutes , remove the grid and bulb from the bath, then dry everything thoroughly with a clean paper towel.
• Place the grid on the layer of biochar previously placed at the bottom of the container.
• Gently place the bulb, making sure that it does not come into contact with the sides of the container.
• Add 12 to 15 ml of reverse osmosis water (ideally), only to the bottom of the container , so that the water never comes into direct contact with the grid or the bulb .
• Stick on the small label and indicate the name of the bulb as well as the date of planting .
• Open the box every 2 to 3 days for about 5 minutes to refresh the air and prevent any risk of rot .
• Top up the water level every 7 to 10 days , always respecting the same rule: no direct contact between the water, the grid and the bulb .
Root Starter FAQ
What is Root Starter used for?
Root Starter is designed to promote rooting and acclimatization of Alocasia bulbs, even the most fragile ones, in a controlled environment.
It stimulates roots while limiting stress and the risk of loss.
What is the ideal temperature?
• Optimal temperature: 25°C to 28°C
• - 22°C → growth slows down
• + 30°C → risk of rot increases
Is 100% humidity required?
Yes, humidity close to 100% is recommended at startup to promote root emission.
• Light aeration every two to three days is sufficient to prevent imbalances and limit the risk of mold.
Should I water it?
Yes, but very little.
• Add only 12 to 15 ml of water when the system is almost empty.
• Water should never be in direct contact with the grid or the bulb.
• Use a syringe to deposit the water directly at the bottom of the container, under the grid.
• The Root Starter primarily works through ambient humidity, so there's no need to water more often.
Should I add fertilizer?
No. Root Starter contains enriched biochar, which already provides the necessary nutrients for root development. No additional fertilizer is required.
Can I use tap water?
Yes, but it depends on the quality and pH of your water:
• Ideal: pH between 5.5 and 6
• Some regions have very alkaline water (pH 7.5–8) → risk of rot for fragile roots
• Tips:
• Let the water sit for 24 hours to reduce minerals
• Or use RO water
• If possible, measure the pH and adjust it with products like "pH Down"
Light: necessary or not?
A bulb (corm) does not photosynthesize, so light is not mandatory. Heat and humidity are the most important components. Bright indirect light is important when the 1st leaf begins to emerge.
• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent overheating the system or creating algae deposits.
• Tip: you can place a small, light black veil over the Root Starter to diffuse the light.
• This protects from direct light.
• It also helps maintain the temperature around 27–28°C if you have trouble reaching it.
How long until the first roots appear?
• 1 to 3 weeks for the first roots
• Sometimes longer depending on the condition of the bulb
The Root Starter accelerates the arrival of the first roots.
You can have pleasant surprises very quickly, even with bulbs that have been dormant for several weeks.
Patience remains key, but your bulb may wake up sooner than expected!
Mold on my bulb, what should I do?
A white deposit is often non-hazardous saprophytic mycelium.
To avoid fungal rot (Pythium, Fusarium, Phytophthora):
• Remove decomposing organic parts (bulb skin)
• Clean any deposits (substrate residues, bacterial biofilm)
• Maintain a clean and controlled environment
Pro tip: A preventive hydrogen peroxide treatment before cultivation greatly reduces risks.
My bulb is getting soft, what should I do?
• A bulb must remain firm.
• If it becomes soft, it is often an early sign of rot.
Recommended actions:
• Remove the bulb
• Cut off affected parts
• Disinfect
• Restart the procedure under controlled conditions
⚠️ Even with the best care and our Root Starter, it is possible to lose some bulbs: that's nature.
When to repot?
As soon as the root system is well developed and the first leaf starts to grow.
Avoid repotting too early so as not to slow down growth.
How to repot?
1. Prepare the substrate: use our specially designed substrate for young plants and plants grown in vitro. Also, add a thin layer of our "active draining layer" substrate at the bottom of the pot.
2. Choose the pot: a 7 cm (0.25–0.30 L) pot is ideal for starting.
3. Gently remove the roots: remove the roots from the grid and growing medium without breaking them.
4. Arrange in the new pot: place the roots evenly, making sure they don't touch.
5. Acclimate: maintain moderate humidity for the first few days to promote rooting and prevent stress.
Can Root Starter be used for all plants?
Mainly recommended for:
• Alocasia (corms and bulbs)
• Struggling tissue culture plants
• Sensitive young plants
Why treat with peroxide beforehand?
Hydrogen peroxide:
• Eliminates bacteria and fungi
• Sanitizes the bulb
• Greatly reduces the risk of contamination
• Facilitates the assimilation of nutrients released by the substrate
My bulb is not developing, what should I do?
Possible causes:
• Temperature too low
• Bulb dormant
• Lack of humidity
• Weakened bulb
In some cases, you simply need to wait.