I share a simple and completely natural way to propagate roses – no chemicals, just cuttings and eco friendly materials. Start your organic rose breeding journey with materials you likely already have at home.
Prepare the cuttings with care, because a healthy rose branch is the foundation for new life to come.
1. Natural Rose Propagation: Prepare Cuttings
Choose a healthy rose stem, not too young or too old, about 15 to 20 cm long – ideal length for root growth. Cut off the lower leaves to reduce transpiration, avoiding damage to the dormant buds where new growth will emerge later.
Cut the base of the branch at a 45 degree angle to increase the contact area with water and nutrients, helping the branch to root more easily. Dip the base of the branch in clean water to keep it moist and stimulate roots to begin forming.
Read More: Grow 100 Rose Roots Overnight
2. Natural Rose Propagation: Rooting Stimulant
Prepare a natural rooting stimulant solution using familiar but extremely effective ingredients. This gentle solution supports root cell growth and protects cuttings from disease.
Take 100 milliliters of Coca Cola and leave it in the air for a few hours to let all the gas evaporate. Coca Cola contains phosphoric acid and natural sugars which help stimulate rooting by providing energy and creating a slightly acidic environment.
Add fresh aloe vera gel, the clear gel inside the leaf after peeling off the green skin. Aloe vera gel is rich in vitamins, enzymes, and nutrients that have antibacterial properties and stimulate plant tissue growth, helping cuttings avoid disease and increase vitality.
Then add 150 milliliters of clean filtered water to adjust the solution concentration, creating an ideal environment for the cuttings to absorb nutrients. Finally add a spoonful of raw honey to the mixture. Honey is a natural source of sugars that promote root growth and contains antibacterial enzymes that help protect cuttings during the process.
Stir the solution well and let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the ingredients to blend and stabilize. Mix well the Coca Cola solution and aloe vera honey mixture to ensure the solution is clear and clean. Strain it through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining residue before use.
Add 100 milliliters of clean filtered water to the filtered mixture to adjust the concentration, helping the solution to penetrate evenly and be absorbed more easily into the cuttings.
3. Natural Rose Propagation: Soak and Medium
Soak the flower stem in the solution for 10 minutes to stimulate rapid root growth and increase the resistance of the cuttings. In this method I use toilet paper as the growing medium.
Toilet paper is soft and absorbent, which helps keep the cuttings moist while also creating a clean, airy environment for the roots to grow naturally and healthily. Remove the rose stem from the solution, then gently dip the base into turmeric powder to kill bacteria and fungi.
Wrap a thin layer of paper around the stem, making sure the bud is on the outside to facilitate new bud growth. Moisten the paper cup with newly mixed rooting solution, keeping the humidity stable to create a favourable environment for the cuttings to grow well.
Cut a small hole in the centre of the paper cup just big enough to insert the rose stem. This helps to secure the cutting while keeping the base of the plant in good contact with the moist growing medium, creating favorable conditions for root growth.
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4. Natural Rose Propagation: Cup Greenhouse
Place the rose stem into the hole in the center of the paper cup and adjust it so that the base is nestled in the damp paper while the stem and flower buds remain above. Use another large plastic cup upside down on top to create a greenhouse effect, keeping the cuttings warm and maintaining consistent humidity.
Make a few small vents in the sides or on the lid of the cup to allow air to circulate, avoiding excessive moisture build up that can cause mold. Place the cup in a cool place away from direct sunlight but still with natural light.
Maintain humidity in the growing medium by misting lightly every day or when the paper begins to dry. Keep the environment clean and evenly moist for steady development.
5. Natural Rose Propagation: Rooting Signs
White roots appear clinging to the damp paper inside the cup. Pay attention to changes at the nodes where the first buds will emerge.
Once the roots have developed steadily and the shoots have started to grow vigorously, we can be sure that the cuttings are well adapted and ready for the next stage. The rose branch now not only has roots firmly attached to the substrate but also carries new life.
Fresh green leaves are a clear sign that a healthy young plant is forming. Continue gentle care to prepare for transplanting.
Read More: Rose Roots Grow Stems Blooming
6. Natural Rose Propagation: Potting On
Once your cuttings have strong roots and good growth, you can plant them in pots or the ground. Choose a loose, rich, well draining soil such as garden soil mixed with compost and a little sand or rice husks to increase air circulation.
For the first few weeks place the plant in a bright location away from direct sunlight as the plant settles. The first leaves will emerge, signalling the start of a healthy rose bush.
Final Thoughts on Natural Rose Propagation
Natural materials can support rooting, protect cuttings from disease, and create a clean, moist environment for growth. Follow each step with gentle care and consistent humidity, and let the plant show you when it is ready to move on. Thank you for experiencing this natural rose propagation method with me.