A Gardener's Guide: How to Propagate Roses by Stem Cuttings

Roses are often considered the epitome of beauty in gardens, with their stunning blooms and delightful fragrance. If you're a rose enthusiast looking to expand your garden or share your favourite varieties with friends and family, propagating roses is a rewarding endeavour. Fortunately, propagating roses is not as daunting as it may seem, and with the right techniques, you can easily create new plants from your existing favourites. 

Propagate Roses by Stem Cutting:

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to successfully propagate roses through stem cuttings.

Step 1: Selecting Healthy Parent Plants:

Before you begin the propagation process, it's crucial to select healthy parent plants from which to take cuttings. Look for robust, disease-free rose bushes with strong stems and vibrant foliage. Choose stems that are free from blooms and have at least two sets of leaves.

Step 2: Gathering Supplies:

Gather the necessary supplies for propagating roses, including a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or scissors, a rooting hormone powder or gel, a small container filled with potting mix or a suitable rooting medium, and optional items like a misting system or plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect.

Step 3: Taking Cuttings:

Select a fresh stem that has recently blossomed, measuring approximately 12 inches in length. Cut the stem from the plant just below a leaf node (where the leaf meets the stem) at a 45-degree angle, ensuring it is of similar width to that of a pencil. Optimal cuttings for propagation typically originate from the outer regions of the bush rather than its core. Eliminate any flowers or budding structures along the cut stem. These blooms divert energy away from root development, and the goal is to prompt the stem to allocate its resources towards generating new roots. If you are gathering multiple cuttings, place them in a water-filled container to maintain their hydration until you are prepared to propagate them further.

Step 4: Remove extra leaves:

Take off all the leaves except the two uppermost sets of leaves from the stem. Cutting. After that, trim the rest of the stem right above these top leaves. Eliminating extra leaves will enable the cutting to channel its energy towards growing roots.

Step 5: Preparing the Cuttings:

With secateurs or pruning shears, create a new incision at the base of the stem, right beneath a stem node-a protrusion where new growth usually emerges. Next, make a cut about a quarter inch upward from the base, dividing the stem into four open sections.

Step 6: Planting the Cuttings:

Insert the prepared cuttings into the potting mix or rooting medium, ensuring that at least one leaf node is buried beneath the surface. Create a hole in the mix and carefully insert the stem with the sliced side facing downwards, being cautious not to remove the rooting hormone. Lightly compact the soil around the stem and thoroughly water it. After this, cover the cutting and its pot loosely with either a plastic bag or plastic wrap to maintain soil moisture. Ensure that the plastic does not come into contact with any remaining leaves on the stem, as this may lead to them staying damp and prone to fungal infections. Inserting a tall stake into the pot can aid in keeping the plastic away from the leaves. Additionally, the bag should be partially open to allow condensation to escape; sealing it too tightly could cause the stem to decay.

Step 7: Monitoring and Care:

Check the cuttings regularly for signs of growth, such as new leaves or roots emerging from the base. Be patient, as it may take several weeks for roots to develop. Once the cuttings have established roots and are actively growing, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into their permanent location in the garden.

At last, With patience and care, your rose cutting will soon be thriving on its own.