Shogun Katana Roots — High-Performance Root Stimulator for Fast Propagation
Best for: Growers who want faster root development in cuttings and seedlings, or anyone running hydroponic systems where root health directly impacts yields
Our thoughts
This is a proper root booster that does what it says. Cold-pressed to keep the good stuff intact, concentrated enough to stretch a long way, and actually works across soil, coco, and hydro without any faffing around. One we sell a lot of for growers serious about getting roots down fast.
Shogun Katana Roots is a seaweed-based biostimulant designed to trigger vigorous root growth during propagation, transplanting, and early vegetative stages. Unlike nutrient solutions, it's impossible to overfeed — you're adding active hormones (auxins and biotin) that tell your plants to build roots faster and thicker, not feeding them directly. Boron and biotin work together to encourage root initiation within five days, whilst B vitamins help stressed plants recover from transplant shock or harsh conditions. Cold-pressed extraction preserves vital components like vitamin B12 that conventional harsh chemical methods would destroy. Simple: better roots, better nutrient uptake, better yields.
How it compares
The root stimulator market has some solid established names. Here's where Katana Roots sits:
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vs. Canna Rhizotonic: Same seaweed foundation, similar auxin profile. Katana is more concentrated and won't shift your pH, making tank mixing cleaner.
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vs. H&G Roots Excelurator Gold: H&G is premium-heavy and pricier. Katana gives you 80% of the performance for significantly less outlay — the difference is marginal for most growers.
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vs. Budget alternatives: Works in all media types like the budget stuff does, but the cold-pressing method and boron inclusion mean faster, thicker roots and better disease resistance.
In short: you're getting research-backed root science at sensible money.
Usage guidance
Cuttings and seedlings (weeks 1–2)
Apply at 5ml per litre. Soak propagation cubes for 15 minutes to give cuttings the best possible start. You'll see visible roots in as little as five days.
Vegetative stage (weeks 1–4)
Drop to 0.2ml per litre — this is a highly concentrated formula, so a little goes a long way. Use continuously through veg to build a strong root network.
Early flowering (weeks 1–3)
Continue at 0.2ml per litre. Stop after week three; roots don't need stimulating once flowering is established.
Foliar application for stressed plants
Apply as a spray to leaves when plants are struggling with transplant shock or heat stress. Leaves will absorb the hormones directly, helping plants calm down chemically and recover faster.
All growing media
Works identically in soil, coco, and hydro. No pH adjustment needed. Stir thoroughly before adding to your reservoir or watering can.
Technical specifications
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Product type: Seaweed-based biostimulant (not a nutrient)
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Active ingredients: Auxins, biotin, boron, B vitamins, amino acids
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Extraction method: Cold-pressed (preserves vitamin B12 and heat-sensitive compounds)
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Concentration: 0.2ml per litre for veg/early flower; 5ml per litre for propagation
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Dilution rate: Works in hard or soft water — same dilution across all media types
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pH impact: None — won't alter your nutrient solution pH
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Available sizes: 250ml, 1L, 5L bottles
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Coverage: 5L bottle makes up to 1,250 litres of nutrient solution at standard veg rate
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Compatibility: Works alongside Shogun Start and ZenZym; safe to combine with any nutrient range
Who this is for
- Propagators and cutting growers who want faster rooting and higher strike rates
- Hydroponic growers where root health directly impacts system stability and disease prevention
- Anyone dealing with transplant shock or stressed young plants
- Growers running multiple rooms or high plant counts where media and input costs matter
- Experienced and new growers alike — it's simple to use and impossible to overfeed
Particularly valuable in hydroponic systems, which are more susceptible to root pathogens like Pythium. A solid root stimulator here is genuine insurance.
Our take
Katana Roots does exactly what a root booster should do — faster root initiation, thicker roots, stronger plants. The cold-pressing method and boron inclusion set it apart from the cheap stuff, and the concentration means one bottle stretches a long way. It's a proper entry point into root stimulation that doesn't cost the earth.
If you're serious about consistent, healthy root development across any growing setup, worth picking up while stock lasts. Does the job, day in and day out.