Roses are considered to be one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. Rose plants are "perennial" and produce flowers every year. Today there are more than one hundred species and varieties of roses. The plant can be of different sizes, including miniature varieties, and can form a bush, a sapling or develop a climber. The flowers cover the entire color spectrum, from pure white to deep red, with many other hues in between. If you own a rose plant and would like to propagate it, you just need to follow a few simple steps; no special tools or specific equipment are needed, just a good pair of sharp garden shears, or a knife, some pots and some covering material.
Steps
Method 1 of 3:
Step 1. Choose a stem about 30 cm long, which has 3 or more buds
Step 2. Cut the stem away from the plant, about 15 cm, including the 3 buds
Step 3. Remove all leaves at the base of the stem
Step 4. Apply a rooting hormone (optional) to the base of the stem
Step 5. Insert the stem into the soil or pot
Step 6. Push the stem 5-6cm below the ground
Step 7. Cover the cutting with a large glass jar, or plastic bottle that you have cut off the neck
Step 8. Water the soil around the container, making sure to keep the stem moist
Step 9. After about two months the cutting will have formed roots and leaves will begin to grow
Method 2 of 3: Cuttings and Wide Covers
Step 1. Fill a plastic flowerpot about 5 cm with soil
Step 2. Choose a stem about 30 cm long that has 3 or more buds
Step 3. Cut the stem with the buds from the plant, for a length of about 15 cm
Step 4. Remove the leaves at the base of the stem
Step 5. Apply a rooting hormone (optional) to the base of the stem
Step 6. Insert the stem into the soil, reaching the middle of the pot
Step 7. Place the jar in a plastic bag with a capacity of approximately 4 liters
Step 8. Put a stick in the pot to prevent the bag from sagging and to keep air in the pot, thus preventing the stem from rotting
Method 3 of 3: After Rooting
Step 1. Remove the cuttings from the ground after they have formed roots (this is easier with potted cuttings; for cuttings that have rooted in the garden you will need to be very careful in removing them, otherwise you risk damaging them
Step 2. Place the pots in a cool, shady place; avoid direct sunlight
Step 3. Once the roots have spread and grown larger, move the pots to a brighter area
Advice
- If you are using previously used pots, be sure to clean them thoroughly with soap and water to get rid of any remaining bacteria or mold.
- It is recommended to propagate the cuttings in the spring. It is also possible in early summer, if the weather is not too hot and dry.
- Always use a very sharp knife or shears to avoid damaging the mother plant.
- It is important that the cuttings receive sufficient light and moisture to propagate. Make sure you give the covered cuttings a good amount of water, but don't give too much or they may rot. The cuttings must have the necessary light, but avoid placing them in the sun during the day, especially at noon.
