How to Propagate Roses Using Toilet Paper

Propagating roses with toilet paper is an innovative and cost-effective method to grow new plants from cuttings. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started:

Materials Needed:

  • Fresh Rose Cuttings: Healthy stems about the thickness of a pencil with several leaf nodes.
  • Toilet Paper: Plain, white, free from scents, lotions, or dyes.
  • Rooting Hormone (Optional): Stimulates root growth.
  • Small Pots or Containers: Filled with well-draining potting mix.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Rose Cuttings:
    • Timing: Take cuttings early in the morning when the plant is hydrated.
    • Cutting: Using sharp, clean pruning shears, cut a 6-8 inch stem at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node.
    • Clean Up: Remove any flowers, buds, or leaves from the lower half of the cutting to minimize moisture loss and encourage rooting.
  2. Dip in Rooting Hormone (Optional):
    • Procedure: Dip the cut end of the rose cutting into rooting hormone powder, tapping off excess to enhance rooting.
  3. Wrap the Cuttings in Toilet Paper:
    • Moistening: Dampen a sheet of toilet paper with water until it’s moist but not soggy.
    • Wrapping: Lay the damp toilet paper flat, place the cuttings along one edge, and roll tightly to cover the entire stem.
    • Securing: Twist the ends of the toilet paper or use rubber bands to keep it snug around the cuttings.
  4. Plant the Wrapped Cuttings:
    • Preparation: Fill small pots with moistened potting mix.
    • Planting: Insert the wrapped cuttings into the soil, burying them about halfway.
    • Location: Place the pots in a warm area with indirect sunlight.
  5. Care and Monitoring:
    • Watering: Keep the potting mix consistently moist but not waterlogged.
    • Checking: Look for root development, which can take several weeks.
    • Transplanting: Once roots are established, transplant the cuttings into larger pots or directly into the garden.
  6. Ongoing Care:
    • Growth: Provide adequate water, sunlight, and nutrients as the plants grow.
    • Protection: Shield young plants from extreme temperatures and pests.

By using this method, you can easily propagate rose cuttings and enjoy the process of growing new rose plants from your existing garden. Happy gardening! 🌹