Growing roses from cuttings can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tips and a dash of ingenuity, you can cultivate a garden full of these beauties. Here are some effective home hacks for propagating roses.
Start by selecting a robust, healthy rose stem from a mature bush. The ideal cutting should be about six to nine inches long with several sets of leaves. Trim the leaves, keeping only a couple at the top, to reduce transpiration.
Dipping the cutting's base into rooting hormone can boost root development. If you don't have rooting hormone handy, honey serves as a great natural substitute due to its antibacterial properties.
One of the most surprising hacks involves using a tomato! Cut a large tomato in half, and scoop out the inside to create a biodegradable 'pot'. Plant the rose cutting inside the tomato, then bury the tomato in a pot filled with good quality soil. The acidity in the tomato aids rooting, and as it decomposes, it nourishes the developing plant.
We recommend maintaining moisture around the cutting by covering it with a clear plastic bag or bottle, creating a mini-greenhouse. Before you know it, you'll have a thriving rose bush, all from a simple cutting!
Happy growing!
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