I want to share a simple yet interesting tip for growing roses by cuttings at home. The best part, we only need one common kitchen ingredient, potatoes. Sounds strange, but it works surprisingly well.
Let’s get started. With a little care, you can create something truly beautiful right on your windowsill. This method is gentle, tidy, and very effective.
Rose Propagation Using Potatoes: Prepare Cuttings
Take a fresh rose cutting from your favorite variety. Cut it into about 15 cm long pieces. Gently remove all the leaves and thorns from the lower part of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top if necessary.
Be careful not to damage the buds along the stem. These are dormant nodes where new buds will soon begin to grow. Make a clean diagonal cut at the base of the stem at a 45° angle.
This increases the surface area for water and nutrient absorption, helping the cutting root more quickly and efficiently. Gently rub the cut end with a garlic clove for a natural disinfectant, which helps prevent fungal infections and promotes healthy root growth.
Read More: Rose Potato Grows 99 Roots Overnight
Rose Propagation Using Potatoes: Natural Rooting Mix
Break an egg and separate the yolk from the white. The yolk contains essential nutrients that can stimulate root growth. Take half a lemon and squeeze the juice into the egg yolk.
This mixture provides essential nutrients while protecting the cuttings, creating the ideal environment for healthy root growth. Mix well, then soak the base of the rose stem in this mixture for about 10 minutes. Soaking rose cuttings in this mixture helps stimulate root growth, fight bacteria, and increase the survival rate of cuttings.
Rose Propagation Using Potatoes: Potato Prep
Peel one potato, but keep the skins. Potato peels contain many nutrients and enzymes that help stimulate root growth while also retaining moisture, creating an ideal environment for healthy cuttings to grow. Cut the skins into small pieces and add them to a cup.
Peel two cloves of garlic. Chop them and add them to the cup. Add the juice from the remaining half of the lemon.
Pour in 300 ml of water. Stir well and let steep for about 5 minutes. A mixture of potato peels, lemon, and garlic helps stimulate root growth and prevents fungi and bacteria from damaging cuttings.
Cut out the core of the potato, then make a small hole in the middle. Potatoes contain many valuable nutrients that help plants grow healthy. When you know how to use potatoes properly, you will have a brilliant flower garden without having to spend money on buying seedlings.
Read More: Grow 100 Rose Roots Overnight
Rose Propagation Using Potatoes: Build the Environment
Take toilet paper and layer it in a plastic cup. Strain the potato mixture you made earlier and use the liquid to thoroughly moisten the paper. Once the paper is moist and soft, make a small hole in the center.
Place the rose stem in the hole in the potato. Then place the potato in the center of the cup, gently pressing the paper around to keep the potato stable. Leave the dormant buds exposed so new shoots can sprout and grow freely.
To retain moisture and heat, cover with a large upside-down cup. This will help retain moisture like a mini greenhouse. Place the setup in a cool, bright place, but out of direct sunlight.
Check the moisture regularly and mist lightly if needed. With patience and gentle care, you’ll soon see roots forming and new life beginning to grow. Keep the environment stable for the best results.
Rose Propagation Using Potatoes: Early Results
After just a few days in the right conditions, you will see new shoots starting to grow from the dormant buds along the stem. This signals that the branch is awakening and ready to grow into a new plant. Young roots begin to appear at the base of the cuttings and are thin, white, and very fragile.
This is truly a rewarding moment. With just a little care and a few simple ingredients, a new rose plant begins its journey. Give it time and avoid disturbing the roots.
Read More: Spoonful Transform Rose Cuttings
Rose Propagation Using Potatoes: Potting Up
Once the roots are well established and buds have begun to develop, it is time to give your young rose plant a new home. Prepare a small pot of well-draining soil. Ideally, use a light, airy, slightly moist soil mix.
Make a small hole in the center and place the rooted cutting inside, carefully covering the roots with soil. Press gently to keep the plant stable. Place the pot in a bright, airy, sheltered area with indirect sunlight.
Keep the soil slightly moist, avoiding overwatering to protect the young roots. After a few weeks, when the plant has new leaves and is growing well, you can plant it in the ground to continue growing. And that’s how to grow roses at home simply and naturally.
Final Thoughts
All you need is a little care and a potato. This gentle method supports quick rooting, protects against disease, and keeps moisture steady. It is simple, natural, and very rewarding.