How to Propagate Rose Cuttings

You can grow a stunning new season of roses by propagating cuttings. Just like with many other plants, the key to successfully growing roses is to choose a sunny spot with moist soil. Cut healthy, strong stems just above a set of leaves to give the cutting the best chance to grow. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone to speed up root development. With enough moisture, your rose cutting will soon develop a strong root system.

Make a 45-degree angle cut just above the first set of leaves. Once you've selected a healthy, vibrant stem, cut it to a length of about 15-20 cm. Use sharp garden scissors or a knife to make a clean, angled cut just above the first set of leaves.

• Try to cut in the morning when the cutting has enough moisture.
• Clean your tools thoroughly with disinfecting alcohol before use.

Place the rose cuttings in water. It is crucial to keep the cuttings hydrated to prevent them from drying out before planting. Immediately after cutting, place the rose stems in room temperature water until you're ready to plant them in soil. If possible, it's best to propagate the cuttings right after making the cut.

Remove all leaves except for the topmost ones. After cutting just above a set of leaves, only the top leaves should remain. Use sharp garden scissors or pruners to remove the rest of the leaves.

Dip the cut end of the rose stem in rooting hormone powder. This step is optional, but many people use rooting hormone to encourage faster root growth. Remember to moisten the cut end of the stem before dipping it in the powder. Gently tap off any excess powder.

• Clean your tools with rubbing alcohol again after use.

Select a sunny location for propagating the cuttings. The location is especially important if you plan to propagate outdoors. Pick a spot with sunlight, but avoid direct sun—this helps prevent the cuttings from drying out. You can also propagate rose cuttings in a pot, but the pot needs to be deep and wide enough to give the cutting enough room to grow.

• It’s best to choose a spot with sunlight that is near a drainage pipe or other water sources, as this will help maintain moisture in the soil.
• Choose a pot that is at least 15 cm deep.

Prepare the soil bed or planting pot for the cuttings. To plant rose cuttings, you need a soil mixture consisting of sand and perlite. The mix should have good drainage, and make sure to till the soil to a depth of about 10-15 cm before planting.

• You’ll need gardening tools like a garden fork or spade to loosen the soil.
• Sand and perlite can be found at gardening stores or online. A kilogram of perlite costs around 50,000 VND, while sand is usually cheaper, but prices may vary depending on the amount.

Select healthy, strong stems. When choosing rose cuttings for planting, pick long, sturdy, healthy stems that are not wilted or browning. Semi-woody stems cut in late spring or early summer root faster, so aim for young, flexible stems.

You can propagate rose cuttings at any time of the year. Some people prefer to plant cuttings in the colder months, while others wait until early summer. Propagating roses can be done year-round, but keep in mind that the cuttings need to stay moist. They will dry out faster if planted in hot summer climates, which is why the rainy season might be the best time for propagation.

Create holes in the soil for the rose cuttings. Use a stick or pen to create a hole about 8-10 cm deep for each cutting. Make sure the holes are wide enough to avoid disturbing the rooting hormone powder when you insert the cutting into the soil.

Plant the rose cuttings in the soil. Gently insert the rose stems into the soil, burying them a few centimeters deep, or about halfway up the length of the cutting. Press the soil around the stem to secure it in place.

• If you're planting multiple cuttings, space them about 15-20 cm apart in rows.

Keep the cuttings moist. The most crucial factor for successful rose propagation is maintaining moisture. During hot weather, you'll need to water the cuttings several times a day to encourage strong root development.

• To help retain moisture in the soil, you can wrap the cuttings with a plastic bag after watering. This will create a mini greenhouse effect around the roses.

Monitor the cuttings to ensure they stay hydrated and root properly. Pay attention to the newly planted rose cuttings to make sure they don't dry out and that they are developing roots. You can check for root growth by gently tugging on the stem. If you feel slight resistance after 1-2 weeks, the roots are growing well.