Propagating roses is a rewarding way to grow your garden or share cherished rose varieties with others. Using toilet paper offers a simple, eco-friendly approach that requires minimal materials.
Materials Needed
- Healthy rose cuttings (6–8 inches) taken during the dormant season or early spring.
- Unbleached or standard toilet paper.
- Powdered or gel rooting hormone.
- Plastic ziplock bags.
- Garden shears.
- Small pots with well-draining potting mix.
- Watering can.
Steps
- Take Cuttings
- Select healthy stems about pencil thickness.
- Cut 6–8-inch sections at a 45-degree angle below a leaf node.
- Remove leaves and thorns from the lower half, leaving a few at the top.
- Apply Rooting Hormone
- Dip the cut end into rooting hormone, ensuring full coverage.
- Wrap in Toilet Paper
- Wrap the lower part of the cutting with toilet paper to retain moisture.
- Place in Plastic Bags
- Put the wrapped cutting in a ziplock bag with the top slightly open.
- Mist with water to maintain moisture.
- Create a Mini-Greenhouse
- Seal the bag to maintain humidity.
- Place in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight.
- Check for Roots
- After several weeks, gently tug the cutting. Resistance indicates roots have formed.
- Transplant
- Remove rooted cuttings from the bags.
- Plant in small pots with potting mix and water well.
- Care for Young Plants
- Place in indirect sunlight and gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions.
This method is cost-effective and eco-friendly, allowing you to propagate roses and expand your garden with minimal effort.