The Art of Rose Propagation: A Guide to Successfully Propagating Rose Cuttings Using Toilet Paper

Prized for their beauty and fragrance, roses are a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. Propagating roses by cuttings is an excellent way to expand your collection or share favorite varieties with friends and family. Among the various methods available, one particularly effective and inexpensive method is to use ordinary toilet paper. In this article, we will explore the process of propagating roses by cuttings using toilet paper, a simple but effective method of creating new rose bushes.

Materials: Before you begin, it is important to gather the necessary materials for this propagation method:

• Healthy rose cuttings: Choose a mature rose and take cuttings 15-20 cm long, preferably during the dormant season or in early spring. Choose stems with few leaves and remove flowers and buds.
• Unpeeled toilet paper: Use regular, untreated toilet paper and wrap it around the rose cuttings.
• Rooting hormones: Buy powder or gel rooting hormones to promote root development in the cuttings.
• Ziplock plastic bags: You will need plastic bags of appropriate size to create a mini greenhouse for the cuttings.
• Garden shears: Use these to separate the cuttings from the mother plant.
• Pots: Prepare small pots with well-drained substrate.
• Watering can: To keep the cuttings moist throughout the process.

Step-by-step instructions: Now let’s take a closer look at the process of rose propagation by cuttings using toilet paper:

1. Selecting rose cuttings: Choose healthy stems the thickness of a pencil. Cut a section 15-20 cm long at a 45 degree angle just below a leaf node.
2. Applying the rooting hormone: Dip the cut end of the cuttings into the rooting hormone. Make sure the hormone is applied evenly.
3. Wrapping the cuttings: Wrap the toilet paper around the bottom ends of the cuttings. This helps retain moisture and aids the rooting process.
4. Placing in plastic bags: Place each wrapped cutting in a plastic bag and seal it. This creates a moist environment conducive to root formation.
5. Maintenance and care: Place the plastic bags in a warm, partially shaded place and check the moisture of the cuttings regularly. Keep them moist, but not overly wet. After a few weeks, roots should form.
6. Transplanting: Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted into pots with soil. Make sure to water them regularly and eventually transplant them to their final location in the garden or landscape bed.