Published on September 29, 2025 by

Selecting the Perfect Stem:

  • Look for a healthy, straight stem from the current year’s growth that is about the thickness of a pencil.
  • The ideal cutting should be 6-8 inches long and have at least 3-4 nodes (the small bumps on the stem where leaves emerge).
  • Choose a stem that has recently flowered; the presence of a fading bloom is a good indicator of maturity.

 

Preparing Your Rose Cuttings: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

Proper preparation is key to encouraging root development. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Make the Cut: Using a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears or a knife, make a 45-degree angle cut just below a leaf node. This angled cut increases the surface area for root growth.
  2. Remove Lower Leaves and Thorns: Carefully strip the leaves and thorns from the lower half of the cutting. Leave two to three sets of leaves at the top to allow the plant to continue photosynthesis.
  3. Wound the Stem (Optional but Recommended): To further encourage rooting, gently scrape the outer layer of the bottom one to two inches of the cutting on two or three sides with your knife.
  4. Apply Rooting Hormone: While not strictly necessary, using a rooting hormone can significantly increase your success rate. Dip the bottom inch of the cutting into the rooting hormone powder, gel, or liquid, ensuring the wounded area is well-coated.

 

Planting Your Cuttings: Two Simple Methods

 

You can choose to root your rose cuttings in either a potting medium or water. Both methods are effective for home gardeners.

Method 1: Rooting in a Potting Medium (Recommended for Higher Success)

  1. Prepare the Potting Mix: Create a well-draining mix by combining equal parts of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss or coco coir. You can also use a pre-made seed starting mix.
  2. Plant the Cutting: Fill a small pot with the prepared mix and use a pencil or your finger to create a hole deep enough to accommodate about half the length of the cutting. Gently insert the cutting, being careful not to rub off the rooting hormone.
  3. Create a Humid Environment: Water the cutting thoroughly. To maintain high humidity, cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or a cut-off plastic bottle, creating a mini-greenhouse. Ensure the plastic does not touch the leaves.
  4. Provide Indirect Light: Place the pot in a warm location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun, as it can scorch the cutting.

Method 2: Rooting in Water

  1. Submerge the Cutting: Place the prepared cutting in a clear glass or jar filled with enough water to cover the bottom nodes.
  2. Provide Light and Change Water: Position the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
  3. Wait for Roots: Roots should begin to appear within a few weeks. Once the roots are about 1-2 inches long, the cutting is ready to be transplanted into a pot with a suitable potting mix.

 

Caring for Your New Rose Cuttings

 

Patience is a virtue when propagating roses. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months for the cuttings to develop a strong root system.

  • Check for Root Growth: For cuttings in soil, you can gently tug on the stem after a few weeks. If you feel resistance, it’s a good sign that roots have formed. You may also see new leaf growth.
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to rot.
  • Transplanting: Once the cutting has established a healthy root system and shows new growth, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into your garden. Acclimatize the new plant to outdoor conditions gradually over a week before planting it in its final location.
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