Roses are among the most popular and beautiful flowers in the world and they come in many colors, shapes, and sizes, and they can brighten up any garden or home, But did you know that you can grow new roses from the stems of existing ones? This is a simple and inexpensive way to propagate roses and create new plants for yourself or to share with others. In this article, we will show you how to grow roses from cuttings step by step.
Cultivation method
Growing roses from cuttings is a fun and rewarding way to propagate your favorite roses and create new plants, By following some easy steps and tips you can grow roses from cuttings and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of these lovely flowers for years to come.
What You Will Need
To grow roses from cuttings, you will need the following items:
- A healthy rose plant with stems that have recently bloomed.
- A sharp knife or pruning shears.
- A cup of water.
- A rooting hormone powder (optional).
- A pot or tray with drainage holes.
- A soil mix of sand and perlite or horticultural grit.
- A plastic bag or dome.
- A sunny and warm location.
How to Take Rose Cuttings
The best time to take rose cuttings is in late summer or early fall, when the plant is well hydrated and has new growth that has recently flowered. Avoid taking cuttings when the plant is heavily blooming as it will have less energy for root development, follow this steps to take rose cuttings:
- First thing cut a 6 to 8 inch segment of a new stem that has recently bloomed using a sharp knife or pruning shears, The stem should be about the width of a pencil, Cut at a 45 degree angle just above a set of leaves, This will help the cutting absorb water and nutrients better.
- After that, Put the rose cutting in a cup of water immediately after cutting it to prevent it from drying out, Keep it in water until you are ready to plant it.
- Before planting remove all the leaves from the stem except for the top two or three, This will reduce water loss and encourage root growth.
- Then, Dip the bottom end of the stem in a rooting hormone powder, if you have one to stimulate the formation of roots and increase the chances of success, Tap off any excess powder.
- Make a hole in the soil mix with your finger or a pencil and insert the stem about 2 inches deep, Firm the soil around the stem gently and water it well.
- Now, Cover the pot or tray with a plastic bag or dome to create a humid environment for the cutting, Make sure the bag or dome does not touch the leaves as this can cause rotting or fungal infections.
- Place this pot or tray in a sunny and warm location, but avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves or dry out the soil.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy and mist the leaves occasionally to prevent wilting.
- Check the cutting for roots after four to six weeks by gently tugging on the stem, If you feel resistance it means the roots have formed, If not, leave the cutting for another two to four weeks and check again.
- Once the roots have developed, remove the plastic bag or dome and gradually acclimate the cutting to the outdoor conditions, You can transplant the cutting to a larger pot or to the ground, once it has grown several new leaves and stems.
Tips for successful cultivation
Here are some tips and tricks to help you grow roses from cuttings successfully:
- Choose healthy and disease-free stems from rose plant, preferably from the sides rather than the center of the bush.
- Take the cuttings in the early morning when the plant is well hydrated and the temperature is cooler.
- Clean your tools with rubbing alcohol before and after each cutting to avoid spreading any diseases or pests.
- Use fresh and sterile soil mix and avoid using garden soil or compost as they can contain harmful organisms or weeds.
- Keep the cuttings away from pets and children as some roses can have thorns or toxic parts.
- Be patient and don’t give up, as some cuttings may take longer than others to root.