What is the Best Time to Take Rose Cuttings?
The best times to take rose cuttings are during the late spring and early summer for softwood cuttings, and late summer to early fall for semi-hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings can be taken in late fall or early winter, but they are the most difficult to root.
How to Prepare Rose Cuttings for Rooting Powder?
- Cutting Length and Angle: Cut stems into 6- to 8-inch lengths. Each cutting should have at least four nodes (where leaves emerge on the stem). Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle, just above a node. Remove the bloom and stem tip, and cut again above the last set of leaves at the stem’s bottom.
- Removing Leaves: Remove all leaves except the top set of leaves on each cutting. This helps the cutting root and allows you to gauge its progress.
- Wounding the Cutting: Optionally, wound the bottom of the rose stem by removing thin strips of bark or scraping the end to expose the cambium layer. This can enhance rooting success.
How to Apply Rooting Powder on Rose Cuttings?
- Applying Rooting Powder: Dip the bottom 1/2 to 1 inch of the cut stem into the rooting powder. For powdered rooting hormones like Hormex #8, dip the cut end into the powder and shake off any excess.
- Dipping vs. Dusting: Dipping is generally recommended over dusting to ensure even coverage.
What Environmental Conditions are Ideal for Rooting Rose Cuttings?
- Humidity: Maintain high humidity around the cuttings, typically by covering the pot with a clear cup, mayonnaise jar, or a plastic bag to create a mini-greenhouse effect.
- Temperature: Keep the temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C) for optimal rooting conditions.
- Light Conditions: Place the cuttings in a location with indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause overheating and reduce the chances of successful rooting.
How to Care for Rose Cuttings After Applying Rooting Powder?
- Success Rates: Using rooting hormones can significantly increase the success rate of rooting rose cuttings. The exact success rate can vary depending on the rose variety, time of year, and environmental conditions, but it is generally higher with the use of rooting hormones.
- Watering Frequency: Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to rot and reduce the chances of successful rooting.
- Soil Type: Use a well-draining rooting medium such as a 50/50 mix of potting soil and perlite, or a mix of sand and potting soil. This helps prevent waterlogging and promotes healthy root development.
- Pot Size: Use pots that are wide enough to accommodate the cover and have sufficient space around the rim. For multiple cuttings, place them about 1 inch apart in the same pot.
Reference:
[1] Rooting Hormones for Propagating Roses by Robert B. Martin, Jr. – http://www.santaclaritarose.org/RootingHormones.html
[2] Rooting Rose Cuttings — Improved Techniques by Pacific Rose Society – http://www.pacificrosesociety.org/RootingRoseCuttingsImproved.html
[3] Reproduce and Grow Roses From Cuttings by GardenTech – https://www.gardentech.com/blog/how-to-guides/growing-roses-from-cuttings
