While propagating roses from cuttings isn’t new, a simple twist can dramatically improve your success rate: toilet paper! This guide offers a step-by-step approach to this surprisingly effective method.
How to Propagate Roses with Toilet Paper
- Selecting Prime Cuttings: Begin with healthy, young, semi-hardwood cuttings, about 15-20 cm long. Use sharp, sanitized shears for clean cuts.
- Prepping for Rooting: Remove the leaves from the stems to focus the plant’s energy on root development. A few leaves at the top, halved to minimize stress, are optional.
- Trimming for Success: Cut both ends of each stem, ensuring the bottom cut is at a 45° angle. This increases the chances of successful root growth.
- Toilet Paper Wrap: Optionally, dip the bottom end in rooting hormone. Wrap the stems with 3-4 layers of toilet paper, avoiding covering more than half of the stem to ensure adequate air circulation.
- Even Moistening: Spray the toilet paper with water until thoroughly soaked, then gently squeeze out any excess. Be careful of thorns while handling.
- Potting Preparation: Use a medium-sized pot with well-drained potting soil. A suitable mix includes garden soil, compost, and river sand.
- Planting the Wrapped Cuttings: Place the cuttings in the pot, burying them up to 50-75% of their height. Only the toilet paper-wrapped portion should be covered by soil.
- Watering and Light: Water the soil and cuttings evenly. Position the pot in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight initially, as it can impede root formation.
- Monitoring and Transplanting: Within 2-4 weeks, new leaves should emerge, indicating root growth. Once roots are well-established, transplant the cuttings to your garden or individual pots.
The secret lies in the toilet paper, which consistently maintains moisture around the base of the stem, creating an ideal environment for root development. It’s an easy yet brilliant method for successful rose propagation!
