If you are someone who grows your own rose plants at home, then you know how frustrating it is, in a pessimist’s manner of saying, to wait for your roses to produce beautiful and colorful blooms. This is especially true if you start growing them from seeds. But do you know that growing roses from cuttings will make it easier for you to propagate these flowers in a shorter span of time? Yes, growing roses from cuttings is possible and it will help you create the perfect garden full of rose blooms in no time.
So how is growing roses from cuttings done? As its name suggests, the process involves of course, cutting and using a part of a rose plant, most commonly the stem, to grow new rose plants. Instead of having seeds to produce these flowers, you simply plant properly the cut stems from your already healthy rose plant to a desired location. This would mean the newly-planted stem, after proper care, will begin growing roots and leaves in a much shorter period compared with planting using seeds.
Now, you are ready to apply this method. First, you need to choose the best rose parts to be cut. Make sure that you have chosen the healthiest rose bushes or stems among your rose plants. This suggests that the rose parts you have picked are free from any damage and disease. It is also good practice that you remove all the blooms and some, but not all, of the leaves of your rose cuttings as these may interfere with the absorption of nutrients your new plants will need. You will also need a pair of shears especially designed for cutting roses. Prepare a knife, or a razor, to cut the tip of the rose’s stem in a sharp angle. You will also need a small pot filled with soil, a rubber band, and a gallon plastic bag.
Continue the process of growing roses from cuttings by getting your small pot filled with soil and pushing your rose stem cutting down on it until about ½ of the cutting’s length is beneath the soil. However, some expert gardeners do not approve of this technique. Instead, they suggest that rose plant growers should first make a hole on the soil rather than push down the stem against the soil’s surface. This prevents the stem’s cambium, the plant tissue that carries nutrients, from being damaged. If you prefer to do this, make sure that you fill the hole with enough soil after you have planted the stem. This will keep your rose cutting stable as it develops its own roots over time.
Once you have secured your stem cutting, get your gallon plastic bag and fill it with air. Put it over your rose stem cuttings for about 3-4 weeks. Secure with a rubber band. The purpose of the bag is to keep your newly planted cuttings moist all the time. Do not forget to water them regularly or as needed. Keep the soil moist but not soaked in water.
You may also spray your cuttings with water from time to time. Though roses require exposure to direct sunlight, newly planted cuttings should not be placed directly under the heat of the sun. Too much heat may cause your new rose plants to wilt and die. Let them develop their own roots and gradually expose them to sunlight. Always check if your rose cuttings are not dry.
Growing roses from cuttings is one of the easiest ways to propagate rose plants and arguably one of the fastest. Just remember to have the right tools and learn the proper techniques, and you will see those beautiful blooms in no time.