Propagating rose cuttings

Now is the perfect time of year to take rose cuttings. Roses are one of the easiest plants to propagate from cuttings and make wonderful gifts and a welcome addition to patio or decked areas.

Before taking your rose cutting, add fresh potting soil to a plant pot and water well, then set the pot to one side. Select a healthy rose plant, which is blooming and has no sign of disease, insect or fungal damage. Take a cutting about 10 inches long. Ideally you are looking for a stem with several well-established leaves and a flower bud, where possible to cutting should be straight.

Pull any excess leaves from the steam leaving only 2-3 leaf joints remaining. The leaf joints will be where the roots will develop. Treat the end of the cutting with growth enhancing hormone powder, making sure to only treat the section that will be under the soil.

Taking your pot, use a pencil or stick to make a hole in the soil and gently place the cutting in. Try to avoid damaging the cambium layer of the steam, as this is how nutrients are transported along the cutting.

Secure the stem by firmlycompacting the soil around the cutting with your fingers. Place the pot and cutting into a large plastic bag and seal. The bag will act in a similar way as a greenhouse, retaining heat and moisture as the roots develop.

Avoid placing the bag in direct sunlight to prevent over heating. As there are no roots yet, the plant cannot draw water from the soil. Mist the plant regularly to keep the bag moist and humid but do not overwater. Remember to reseal the bag after misting.

After about a month you can remove the bag. Continue to mist frequently or whenever the soil becomes dry, but take care not to over water.

You will know your plant is established once roots appear from under the pot.