Propagating Roses from Cuttings

Both home gardeners and professionals prefer propagating roses from cuttings. This technique gives success in majority of the cases. This article presents all the basic information on how to propagate roses by cuttings for beginners.
Propagating Roses from Cuttings
Propagating roses from cuttings is so far the most commonly used method for reproducing roses. Under optimal conditions, this technique gives success in 90% cases. Failure may arise because the stem cutting lacks root system and thus is not able to draw water and nutrients. You can increase the chances of successful propagation by following proper instructions on growing roses from cuttings.

How to Propagate Roses from Cuttings
  • The very first step for growing roses for beginners is to choose a healthy rose plant that has recently bloomed. You will get a lot of them in the spring season.
  • Take a cutting from a young yet firm looking stem of that plant. Cut it with a sharp cutter that does not crush the bottom of the stem.
  • Make sure that the stem cutting has 4-6 leaves on it. They will not only provide sugars to the cutting by carrying out photosynthesis but also provide root-promoting hormones.
  • Do not allow the stem to wilt. It will hamper its rooting. Keep a spray bottle handy and keep misting the cutting while you work on it.
  • Take a strip of bark off, from both the sides of the cutting. This wound will promote rooting. It is mostly done at the bottom of the stem cutting.
  • Select a place in your yard or kitchen garden where the rose plant can get sufficient sunlight. Roses bud best in bright light. This is a very important tip to keep in mind for propagating roses cuttings.
  • Loosen the soil with the help of a spade or a large spoon. Add a mixture of potting soil and pear lite in the ratio of 1:1 to the loosened soil. This helps in rooting of the stem cutting.
  • You can also add a commercial hormone preparation containing indolebutyric acid and/or naphthaleneacetic acid for supporting the process of rooting. However, this is not that necessary as the rose stems have the hormone auxin, which promotes rooting.
  • Make a hole in the loosened soil and plant the cutting of the rose stem. Cover its bottom with soil in such a manner that it stands erect.
  • If you wish, you can also propagate roses by cuttings in a pot containing moist sand or potting soil first, and then shift it to the desired place later on.
  • Whether the plant is being grown in an open field or in a pot, it needs lots of moisture. Therefore, maintain good moisture content in both the soil as well as in the cutting. Keep watering on a regular basis for propagating roses from cuttings in a better manner.
  • A better way of maintaining humidity around the cutting is to cover it up with a plastic bag or a mayonnaise jar. This creates a little greenhouse for the rose cutting which is necessary for propagating roses from cuttings.
  • The above step will also protect the rose cutting from animals and children. This is again very important for growing roses.
  • Continue watering around the jar or any other covering over the stem cutting to prevent its drying up. There is no need to remove the jar or cover for watering as the water will condensate through it and reach the plant.
  • After the completion of 3-5 weeks, you will find formation of roots and flowers on the cutting of the rose plant. The original leaves will dry up and fall off.
  • A rose cutting may take up to 8 weeks to root properly.
  • Do not disturb the rose cutting till next autumn. Allow it to form roots and leaves. Read on how to take care of roses.This step ends up all the basic information on propagating roses by cuttings.
See also Propagating roses from cuttings needs your care and attention. Learn about rose plant care.Try your level best to provide the rose cutting with optimum conditions for growth. Greenhouse may overheat the growing rose plant. Therefore, it will be better if you plant the cutting in a shady region such as near a tree or a wall. For most species of roses, spring or early summer is the rooting time. Gallica is a rose type that roots in autumn. Hence, it is also important to choose your timing for propagating roses cuttings in accordance with the rose type. Have Fun!

By Kalpana Kumari
Published: 11/12/2009
 
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