How to Propagate Roses from Cuttings Using Toilet Paper

1. Prepare the Cuttings: Using clean and sharp pruning shears, take cuttings from your chosen rose plant. Each cutting should be around 6 to 8 inches long and include at least two sets of leaves.
2. Remove Leaves: Strip away the leaves from the lower half of each cutting to expose the nodes—these are the points from which roots will emerge.
3. Apply Rooting Hormone (Optional): Dip the cut end of each stem into rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root development.
4. Wrap in Toilet Paper: Tear off a piece of toilet paper long enough to wrap around the lower portion of the cutting. Moisten the toilet paper slightly to make it damp, but not soaking wet.
5. Wrap the Cutting: Gently wrap the damp toilet paper around the bottom half of the cutting, covering the exposed nodes.
6. Plant the Cuttings: Fill small pots with moistened potting mix, then insert the wrapped cuttings into the soil. Make sure the nodes are buried beneath the soil surface.
7. Create a Humid Environment: Place each pot inside a clear plastic bag or dome to create a mini greenhouse effect. This helps to retain moisture and humidity, promoting root growth.
8. Provide Care: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the pots in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight.
9. Monitor Growth: Over the following weeks, monitor the cuttings for signs of root development. You may notice new growth or resistance when gently tugging on the stems, indicating that roots have formed.
10. Transplanting: Once roots have established themselves (typically after 6-8 weeks), carefully transplant the young rose plants into larger pots or directly into the garden.

Final Thoughts:

Propagating roses from cuttings using toilet paper might sound unconventional, but it’s a simple and cost-effective method that yields impressive results. By harnessing the natural properties of toilet paper to maintain moisture and protect the cuttings, you can give your beloved roses a new lease on life. So, the next time you find yourself reaching for the toilet paper, consider saving a few sheets for your garden—it just might be the secret ingredient to successful rose propagation.