by Connie Oswald Stofko
A reader came across the story we did awhile back on starting plants from cuttings and left a question in the comments section.
“How do I root roses from the florist?” asked Tina Strength. “How do I start them rooting and growing?”
This question intrigued me. It never even occurred to me that you might be able to grow a plant from a rose you get in a bouquet from the florist.
I turned to David Clark, the local horticulturist who teaches the series of horticulture class at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. He says that yes, you can indeed start a plant from a cut rose, and he shows us how to do that in this video.
This is such a cool idea! It would be so romantic to have a piece of your wedding bouquet or other special roses growing year after year in your yard. This would also be a fun way to propagate rose plants that no one else in your neighborhood has.
In the video below, Clark shows us step by step how to propagate a rose you get from the florist.
He points out that the plant that results from this propagation technique will be an own-root rose. He explains how that compares to the grafted roses that we usually grow in our gardens in Western New York.
You can learn more about rooting all sorts of plants in Clark’s hands-on class on basic propagation to be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo. The cost is $20 for Botanical Garden members and $25 for non-members.
And check out these other videos with Clark:
Hi Chris, it’s commonly available in garden centers in Western New York. Outside of Western New York, I’m not sure where you might find it. I hope that helps.
Where to buy the rootone no10?I’ve been unable to find this product. Really want to attempt this cool process asap. Thanks for any help
I think you could use Rockwool cubes for rooting–I would Rx to put them on a 75°F bottom heat source such as a heating pad or a seed starting mat.
I have a rose with new growth on it. Do I need to take off the new growth as part of the leaves that need to be removed when I try to root it?
David, thanks for all that great information!
So I plated a stem in my landscaping from my Aunts Funeral. I used honey at the end and planted about 3-4 weeks ago. I’ve had a mason jar over it every since then. I noticed it is still as green and healthy-looking as ever. I also noticed a new sprout coming from the stem. Hoping this is a good sign! How long should I keep the jar on it? We are coming up on some cool months in Kentucky, will the frost kill it out? Should it be fine as long as I leave the jar on top. Thanks!
Hello Robin!
Well, you certainly did a great job preparing the stems – honey can be a very useful rooting agent!
And a new shoot? How awesome is that!
Regarding the jar, well, the callousing/rooting process can take anywhere from 4 to 6 to 8 weeks.
Yes, we are coming up into cooler weather, here too in western New York. Some propagation techniques are best performed in the spring, while others are performed in the fall.
I might surmise that frost will devastate your cutting, so the best way to continue is to grow indoors, with really high light intensities.
Or, you may decide to wrap/enclose the cuttings in plastic wrap and bury lengthwise in the native soil…. they may continue to grow in slow-mo over the winter , and you could plant them outdoors in the spring.?
No guarantees for this process, unless you have a cold frame or root cellar.
Hello Raj!
The propagation pot should not have holes in the bottom – it is strictly a rooting chamber.
Once the stems have calloused and have produced their own roots, it is time to remove them from the perlite chamber and acclimatize them to growing in a small pot with a soil-based media. Don’t wait too long, as the rootlets will not adjust to soil-based growing.
Thank you for your comment!
Regards,
David Clark, CNLP
Robin, since you live in Kentucky, it’s best to contact the extension service in your area. They will be able to give you advice that will work for the weather there. Find your local extension office here: http://extension.ca.uky.edu/county I hope that helps!
So I plated a stem in my landscaping from my Aunts Funeral. I used honey at the end and planted about 3-4 weeks ago. I’ve had a mason jar over it every since then. I noticed it is still as green and healthy looking as ever. I also noticed a new sprout coming from the stem. Hoping this is a good sign! How long should I keep the jar on it. We are coming up on some cool months in Kentucky, will the frost kill it out? Should it be fine as long as I leave the jar on top. Thanks!
Should the planting pot have a hole at the bottom or not? Also, should we plant the pot after the initial planting or not?
Hello Brandy-
Thank you for your question!
I think that since the stems have started producing new growth, that you try the process and see how it goes!
Regards,
David Clark, CNLP
Tanjila, this is a question you should ask the NC State Extension. I hope that helps.
Hi David, my Hydrangeas stopped blooming, they used to bloom but last two years they stopped blooming, they are very healthy plants. I used bloom booster but that didn’t help. Please advise me what can be done to make them bloom again. We live in North Carolina, we have a pretty long summer. Thank you very much.
Question I recieved some Rose’s about 2 weeks ago, I trimmed them, put them in a clear vase of water with the power package that came with them. They have begun sprouting many new stems with leaves. Can you tell me if this means I’ll be able to plant it and it will grow into a rose bush? I’ve received many bouquets of Rose’s but never had one grow new stems on them. I appreciate any help with this!
Hello Jim Cool!
Thank you for finding my video, and for your questions…
The rooting container is filled with perlite and then water is added. The perlite acts as an intermediary rooting material between pure water and soil. It has more air porosity/dissolved oxygen than water alone has, and more D.O. (dissolved oxygen) than what clay soils have….that is one reason why we add organic matter to clay soils. Perlite does not hold water…it holds air…The holes in the rim of the container allow you to monitor the water level in the container…
The spray bottle was translucent green in color and did not have an antibacterial component in the water, but you sure could add a bit of powdered garden sulfur as a fungicide.
Well, on to rooting stems- yes! You can use water to root stems without perlite, sand/peat moss combinations, vermiculite/sand, vermiculite/peat, etc. It’s what my Grandma taught me when I was very young…She was very talented at rooting African violet leaves in little glasses of water that had a cover of wax paper and a rubber band to seal the paper to the glass. HYDROPONICS!
The issue with rooting stems in water is that if you let them develop to great lengths, (because of the dissolved oxygen (D.O.) content difference between water and soil) – they will have to generate NEW roots!..
But, it sure is fine to get stems into the water, monitor them until the stem bottom callouses and rootlets form, then plant the teams either into the perlite container (as in the video), or into a STERILE soilless mix like PRO-Mix, or if you are local in western NY, I have had great success with Lockwood’s Greenhouses Custom Blend.
One of the keys to propagating is sanitizing your hands, cutting implements, work surface, potting media, baggies, stakes/Hold-ups, etc.
I hope I answered your questions, however, I probably gave you more garden tidbits to consider and explore.
Regards,
David
Great video Dave. Really love the idea of matress bags with zippers. Allows adjustable humidity while keeping bad surfaces from touching plant leaves and then roting.
Looks like the spray water bottle had a green liquid in it, perhaps water mixed with antibacterial?
I am greatly confused on filling the container with water to the top where the holes are. Seems the same thing as just rooting the cutting in water. Which would tend to rot rather than root the rose cutting. Could you please provide some insight into this difference when using perllight and water as opposed to just using water? Thanks. Jim
Hi Amanda!
It is amazing – 7 years now and the thread is still going strong- Thank you!
I have had the same problem with the leaves drying up. I did have a bit better luck by cutting them in half by the length.
I would continue to use the rooting container for the process and maybe not put the stems outside until they have a decent root system. I would plant them to start in partial shade. You will have to monitor the moisture level in the outdoor soil.
Regards,
David
I love that this thread is still going strong. 😉
I recently followed these video instructions for a dozen roses. The leaves immediately wilted and turned crinkly (next day), but stems are still green. I live in AZ, so I am afraid it is already too hot/dry for this to work. Any ideas? Do I do more water or back off? Remove leaves?
I love that this thread is still going strong. 😉 I recently followed these video instructions for a dozen roses. The leaves immediately wilted and turned crinkly (next day), but stems are still green. I live in AZ, so I am afraid it is already too hot/dry for this to work. Any ideas? Do I do more water or back off? Remove leaves?
Hello Tanjila-
Elephant Ear Yams look to be a very interesting food crop, as they are in the Amorphophallus family – the same family that is our “Morty” and “Morticia” Titan arums at The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens!
I did check some resources for you and, yes, the sprouting time is normally within 2 weeks, however, if you are growing here in western New York, I think they would take a longer time, probably a month or more. I am wondering if maybe the tubers were planted too deep? Or that you planted them outside – That would delay their growth.
Thank you for your question!
Regards,
David Clark, CNLP
Hi Christina!
I think you could use Rockwool cubes for rooting–I would Rx to put them on a 75°F bottom heat source such as a heating pad or a seed starting mat.
Thank you for your question!
Regards,
David Clark, CNLP
Could you possibly use rock wool instead of perlite?
Hi David,, please give me some advice on “Elephant Foot Yum”, I planted 15 bulbs 6 weeks ago, none of them sprouted. How long does it take to sprout. Around here regular elephant ear bulb sprout in 2 weeks. Please advise !
Hello Wanda-
YES you can propagate a stem outside in the soil. My grandmother used to do it that way (She taught 7th Grade Earth Science for 35 years). You need a regular clear glass quart jar. Prepare the stems as in the video, pause at where they are inserted in the rooting container. Yours will go outside in semi-sunny conditions. Cultivate a cubic foot of soil and incorporate compost or composted animal manure in it. Insert the stem(s) into the soil, as per the video instructions. Place the jar over the stems, the open mouth end downward and push into the soil a bit to stabilize. SIt back and wait – Nature will take care of the rest. Hopefully, in 4-6 weeks, you will see new growth emerging from the stem. At that point, start by removing the jar for about 15 minutes one day, then maybe 20 minutes the next day. Continue until the jar can be removed completely and left off.
Great question!
Regards,
David
i was wondering if you can just plant the stem in the dirt outside.
Hello Pamela-
My condolences for the passing of your grandmother–
The perlite should be kept moist during the rooting process.
Depending on the size of your propagation container, I would add maybe 1/4 to 1/2 cup occasionally.
The best way to tell is to lift the container and notice it’s weight, If it feels very light, then add water, if if fells heavy, then it does not need water.
Also, keeping the container with a clear plastic bag on the top will reduce evaporation of the water.
Best wishes for your success- do keep me posted>
Kind regards,
David Clark, CNLP
It is the middle of December in GA. I know it’s not the perfect time to root roses but I have 2’cuttings from my grandmother’s funeral that I am trying to root. I did follow the instructions in the video but I was wondering how much water needs to be in the perlite and how often do you need to water? These cuttings are kind of important to me so I want them to have the best chance.
It is the middle of December in GA. I know it’s not the perfect time to root roses but I have 2’cuttings from my grandmother’s funeral blanket that I am trying to root. I did follow the instructions in the video but I was wondering how much water needs to be in the perlite and how often do you need to water? These cuttings are kind of important to me so I want them to have the best chance.
Roopali, you should be able to get perlite at any garden center. We’re in Western New York; to find out when you can plant in Dallas, contact the extension service in your area. I hope that helps.
Hi David,
Thanks for sharing the video, I’m located at Dallas and have few stems from rose bouquet can I plant it now also from where can I get perlite if not can I use any potting soil like Miracle grow. Thank you
Hello Kayla-
You can start the propagation process now…. once the stems are rooted, transfer them to a soil-filled pot and grow them on until spring, when you may then plant them outside.
Thank you for your question!
Regards,
David
What if your boyfriend or husband bought you flowers and you wanted to plant then how would you do that if it about to be fall?
Marianne, for gardening information in your area, you should contact the extension service in your state. You’ll get an email that tells you there is another post in comments on this article. I hope that helps.
Hi, just watched your video, PERFECT! And I have lots of blanket bags! Question, I am in NH, but have a southern porch/living space that is heated, lots of sun, can I put them there instead of cellar, or do they need that darkness? I just want to avoid purchasing the grow light! AAANNNNDDD, how will I know when I receive an answer from you? Do I have to return to this website, which I will save before I submit this post! Thank you, going to Cape Cod and neighbors have some beautiful climbers I want to propagate for my home!
David, thank you so much for those great answers!
Good morning Connie!
Thank you for your excellent question regarding starting roses from rose hips.
The best way to do this is to collect the hips in the fall, once they have softened and feel squishy.
Next you are going to procure a 1 cup measuring cup filled with water to the one cup line to which you will add a teaspoon of bleach, This will be used to sterilize the seeds in the hip.
Using a small bowl filled with water, squeeze the rose hip pulp with the seeds into the water and swish around to remove the pulp from the seeds. Pour off the pulp water, saving the seeds.
Add the seeds to the bleach water and let sit for about 20 seconds to sterilize them. Pour the bleach water solution plus seeds into a fine kitchen strainer lined with cheese cloth or gauze and rinse well with clear tap water.
Next we have to stratify the seeds to mimic outdoor weather. They go into a zip-loc bag to which you have added a small amount of dampened peat moss. Seal and mark the bag with today’s date and then a date 60 days into the future.
Keep the baggie at 35°F for the 60 day period.
Procure a 4″ plant pot and fill with sterile soil-less seed starting soil. Plant the seeds from the baggie about 1/4″ deep.
Place the pot in a VERY bright area or under grow-lights and keep moist. The seeds should germinate in about 2 to 6 weeks. Grow the seedlings on until they have at least 2 sets of true leaves. At that point, they can either be potted up separately and grown on, or planted outdoors once the threat of frost has passed.
There is no guarantee that the seeds will flower true to form of the plant they came from because of cross pollination, but you may find a new and exciting variety!
Best of luck with this rewarding experiment!
Regards,
David Clark, CNLP
Good morning Kristin!
Thank you for your question!
First cut off the withered bloom, and then cut the stem into a 4-6″ length that includes that new growth. Then follow the tips in the video.
Once the stems are rooted, they can be planted outdoors after any risk of frost and the soil warms.
I received roses with my proposal. The stems seem to be dead but at the lead junctions there are small plants starting. Each stem has 1 large plant starting. How do I start these???
Can you do anything with the rose hips to propogate them?
Thanks – enjoyed the video! From my Valentine’s red rose bouquet I now have 6 stems with new leaves growing in Vermiculite. Have my fingers crossed they produce roots – I did treat each stem with Rooton.
Very helpfull, does’nt look too hard. I love to start my own plants.
THANKS
Hello Rene!
Learning to propagate plants is a rewarding experience and I am glad to hear of your interest in the technique.
The video explains the process of rooting rose stems and I hope you will give it a view.
Do keep me posted on your progress!
Regards,
David Clark, CNLP
David, I have a bouquet of miniature roses given to my daughter on August 8, 2018. The flowers are dying but the stems are growing leaves. I would like to root them so I can plant in the yard. They are still in the vase and when the water gets low I give them rain water. Any suggestions on how to root these? Any advise would be appreciated. Thank you and God bless!
Hello Clarence Guidry!
My apologies for seeing your wonderful question regarding holes in the bottom of the rooting container. One can root stems in water, however, root systems from water have a different oxygen level than the soil they will eventually be potted into. The perlite acts as ‘in-between’ oxygen level media, so the root system will not have to start from scratch again, once planted in soil.
The rooting hormone has a fungicide incorporated into it that suppresses rotting issues.
The plastic bag should still be used, even in Louisiana- just make sure to keep the set-up out of direct, hot sun. An east facing exposure would be best.
There is a fine line between too much and too little moisture. I would not mist the stems daily, however, in commercial propagation operations, the rooting material stems are inserted in a growing media, and placed under automatic misting systems, but without the bag. Being grown on benches, they have optimal air-movement around them.
We are trying to duplicate this high humidity using the plastic bag. I would recommend monitoring the water level in the container as being more important than the air humidity (that will be regulated by the plastic bag).
A wonderful question that I am sure many folks have also wondered about!
Keep me posted on your successes!!!
Regards,
David Clark, CNLP
Hello Lisa Novella Day!
The internet is an amazing resource to learn about plants, and I am happy that you found my video!
Yes, there are many types of roses. The ones folks get in bouquets are painstakingly and lovingly grown in optimum conditions on commercial growing ranges in many places around the world, mainly Colombia and Ecuador. Miami is main importing hub of the floral trade from these growing areas.
It would be wonderful one day to be able to teach classes at Flamingo Botanical Gardens!
Thank you so much for your question and observations!
Regards,
David Clark, CNLP
Hello Elvisa!
Thank you for your question and your thoughts on perlite. Do try to buy a larger grade of perlite. A good size to use is U.S. Mesh #3, which is about the size of a pea. Smaller particles may pack down with a resulting loss of aeration in the rooting container.
Yes, Perlite looks dusty in the bag, however, I do rinse mine or at least moisten the contents of the bag before using it, as the dust can be irritating to the lungs.
Sand can also be used as long as you add 1/4 to 1/3 parts peat moss to help retain moisture in this mix.
I have also heard, although not experimented with, using potatoes as a rooting medium. A stem is inserted into a potato, and then the potato with the stem inserted is buried in the ground about three inches deep.
Plants are amazing, yes?
Regards,
David Clark, CNLP
Hello Rita Vogel!
Thank you so much for your kind words! The video was fun to shoot and I am happy that many people have found inspiration in the technique.
Sometimes the old ways are the best ways…The jars over the stems created the prefect growing conditions to grow roses from cuttings – I saw it too when I was growing up in Eden, NY, in gardens tended to by wise folks.
Regards,
David Clark, CNLP
Wow! I was just looking to see if anyone has tryed to roots roses this way and you were the first on the list that poped up . I love the roses you get in a bouquet and down in South Fla. They dont look that way when you buy them and i know its the tipe of roses they are and this is great to know . Thank you very much . If you ever do a class down here I will be there. Thank you again. My daughter works at Flamingo Botanical Gardens in Davie If you come down you need to see it . Its wonderful.
Hi. Can we use anything else than perlite? Every single bag of pear lite I have ordered is mostly dust and I can’t be sure if that would work. Thank you
Indeed you are. Living in Charlotte, NC has it’s privileges, but, oh how I miss lilacs and lilies of the valley. And yes, snow!
Rita, thanks for your comment. The folks in Western New York are lucky to have David Clark!
What a great treat to watch you and see someone so charming from back home. I remember my dear mother sticking bouquet roses in the ground and putting jars over them. She created five bushes, each a different color for her five daughters. You just proved to me I didn’t imagine it.
Thank you.
Hello Joyce!
Yes, I understand your frustration with the demise of your plant! Rooted cuttings should gradually be hardened off (acclimatized to outdoor conditions) over a period of a week or two, The best way to do this is to open the bag covering your rooting chamber, and place it outdoors in a shaded position, perhaps under a leafy shrub. Make sure to monitor the container for moisture, as you do not want it to dry out. Once your cuttings are exhibiting good growth, you may them plant them in the ground observing regular rose planting instructions,
I hope I supplied you with the information you are looking for!
Regards,
David Clark, CNLP
Hello Kristi!
I would not cut into the root area of your rose plant for propagation as most modern Hybrids are grafted plants. The scion (the top part of the plant that exhibits desirable traits) are bud grafted on the rootstock (the underground portion that lends vigorous root growth) the to scion. Cutting into the root stock will yield you an wildy-growing rose, with flowers unlike to top portion.
For more information on rootstock for roses, read this article:
http://scvrs.homestead.com/rootstock.html
Therefore, I would stick to rooting the top-plant stems.
I hope I supplied you with the information you are looking for!
Regards,
David Clark, CNLP
Hello Kristi!
I would not cut into the root area of your rose plant for propagation as most modern Hybrids are grafted plants. The scion (the top part of the plant that exhibits desirable traits) are bud grafted on the rootstock (the underground portion that lends vigorous root growth) the to scion. Cutting into the root stock will yield you an wildy-growing rose, with flowers unlike to top portion.
For more information on rootstock for roses, read this article:
http://scvrs.homestead.com/rootstock.html
Therefore, I would stick to rooting the top-plant stems.
I hope I suplied you with the information you are looking for!
Regards,
David Clark, CNLP
Hello Sharon Price!
The important part of the rooting process is to keep the humidity high inside the rooting bag, as the cutting has no roots of it’s own. It does/should have leaves on it for photosynthesis, although the green stem will photosynthesize and create food for the cutting. Sunlight should be bright, but not direct. Temperature is best at 72°F-75°F – bottom heat preferred. Rooting should take place in 6-8 weeks. It is good to gradually open the plastic bag once new growth is visible at the leaf nodes to allow CO2 and O2 gas exchange.
I hope this is helpful!
Regards,
David Clark, CNLP
I was thrilled when my bouquet began to sprout and have actual buds on it. I followed all instructions, but unfortunately when taken outside, they gradually died. I wish I had just put them on patio with minimal sun, in Miami, it just didn’t work.
I have two large rose bushes from last year. Will I cut just a stem or cut into the root to create more bushes?
David, I grow mostly antiques and have been propagating from cuttings for a long time but simply could not get one particular modern to root. One of my rose rustler pals told me it was because the South American grower treated the buds with a chemical to prevent me from doing just that! Rats. I found this video while searching for the name of that chemical – do you know it?
I know we aren’t supposed to clone patented roses but I am unable to buy the bush in the USA (I tried) and I don’t want to sell it, I just want to grow a bush on my patio. So thanks, and I’ll give your method a try.
You do not say what to do with the stem cutting for the 6-8 weeks that it is in the plastic while waiting for it to root. How often does it need watering? How often do you mist? What type of sun does it get? What temperature? Thank you!
Hello Christina!
Congratulations on your success!
At this point in time, I would leave the buds alone and let the root initiation process complete.
Do keep me posted on your progress!
Regards,
David
Hello,
This video was very helpful and easy to understand.
I followed the instructions and have four rose plants growing. I started the plants six days ago and one of them has a bud already.
Should I leave the bud alone?
I’m just unsure what to do.
Thanks so much for your help!
Hello Victoria!
Thank you so much for your kind words, and my condolences for the passing of your husband.
The biblical name “David” means “Well-beloved”, “Dear”,; and in Welch (which I have that heritage)…”Friend” and also the patron Saint of Wales… I am sure your husband was all of these!
A bit of flower lore on Orange roses: Orange roses can be used to express intense desire, pride and fervor. They also convey a sense of fascination. These flowers rival only the red roses as messengers of passion in romance… no wonder why your husband chose these for Valentine’s Day, and I am hoping your Son will continue the thoughtful tradition – my Momma also loves orange roses!
Do keep me posted on your progress!, and many thanks for your comment.
Warm regards,
David Clark
Hello David first off I would like to say I love your name.my husband now passed had that wonderful name.I love the video I will try it my son gave me Beautiful orange roses for Valentine’s day.something my husband did ever year. So I sure do hope this will work. I will let you know my progress.thank you again.love is so much in my Heart.thank you thank you .
Hello Tricia!
I have experienced the same issue of leaves falling off the stems…I would think that the growth of the new buds will continue even without the stem leaves attached. Another issue could be that the stem is not able to absorb and translocate enough moisture to sustain all the leaves, due to the fact that it may not have grown a large enough root system yet. Don’t despair and continue the process—
Thank you for your comment!
Regards,
David
Good day connie/David
I have followed your instructions, however I noticed this morning that one one of the cuttings the leaves have fallen off, however I noticed that there is signs of new growth where the leave stem once was. Will this be a problem now that the leave stem has fallen off?
Joyce, That’s amazing! I never heard of anything like that either! Thanks for sharing.
I received a bouquet of white roses from my grandson two weeks ago. To my astonishment, within a week small branches were growing. I now have over a dozen new branches with leaves, and one with a bud. In just two weeks. I have never had this occur in my 85 years of receiving roses. I have grafted roses, and many other plants over the years, but no longer keep an active garden other than palm trees (Miami) and shrubs. I will proceed to follow your instructions and hope for success. Thank you for the tutorial.
June 11, 2017
i have followed you video instruction for growing from cuttings.
there seems to be a lot of water in the container.
You say not to put drain holes, what keeps the stem bottom from rotting?
I am in S.Louisiana, should i still use the plastic bag to retain moisture?
Seems like it will get pretty hot inside the plastic bag.
No direct sun?
And should i mist daily whether i use the bag or not?
Thanks
Thanks, Janice!
Connie, David… thanks for this great information and video from GA.
Can you send me a list of everything the i need to grow a flower please
Rina, I think you are referring to perlite. You can find it in garden centers or sometimes hardware stores.
WHats the exact word for that white soil or chemical that u put in pot?? Where can i buy it?? Thank u
I followed these procedures last week on a dozen, but now several of the plants’ leaves are turning yellow. Have I over watered? What can I do?
Hi Megan!
Thank you for your interest in my video! How awesome that you have your own greenhouse – it is a wonderful place to learn how plants grow.
Cultural information on growing roses in a greenhouse setting:
Th humidity for successful plant propagation should be as high as possible– that is why I recommend enclosing the stems in a clear plastic bag. Do keep them out of direct sunlight, as they will “cook” inside the bag. The best rooting temperature is around 75°F. After roots have formed, the plastic bag should be opened to allow fresh air into the container.
Growing roses in a greenhouse for flower production requires 70°F days and a 10°F drop during the night to 60°F.
I look forward to hearing about your gardening successes!!!
Regards,
David
Good morning Seema!
Thank you for watching my video and finding pertinent information! I wish you great gardening successes!!!
Regards,
David
Hi David. This is really interesting and I will be trying it soon! What temperature/humidity range should the roses be kept at? I live in central Kentucky and have 10×12 greenhouse that I can start some in.
Good Morning David,
I was looking for a way to root rose from the florist and finally found your video. Thank you ever so much for explaining everything so clearly. I always asked my husband to give me potted roses instead of cut flowers from the florist, never happened ?So I tried rooting the bouquet flowers with no success . But now following your video instructions I will be successful God willing. Will be watching all your videos. Thank you and bless you.
Hello Ribka-
It is best to use the perlite as it has a good balance of moisture and air. Garden soil is too heavy and may contain pathogens. Also, since the stems do not have roots, there is no need for fertilizer. For an option to root stems in the ground, I have heard of (but not experimented with) inserting a couple of stems in a potato and then burying the potato in outdoor ground.
I hope this answers your question!
Regards,
David
Hi, can I use normal fertilized soil instead of perlite? Thx
Good day Mapula!
Greetings to South Africa from Buffalo, NY! I think you will have a better chance of success by following the steps I have provided. Most important is the moisture in the container and the humidity in the bag.
Good day David
i live in south Africa and it is hot most of the year.I have seen bouquet at a store that i will like to plant in my rose garden. Will they grow if i had just planted them in the soil not in a pot?
Hi Jennifer!
The leaves of propagation material provide food for the stem via the process of photosynthesis, even when that stem has been removed from the parent plant. However, there are still chloroplasts in the stem structure that may continue to photosynthesize. So, the loss of leaves may not compromise the rooting process as much as one would think.
The thought that is in my mind, as I am not sure the style of your wedding bouquet, is if it was designed in a bouquet holder, those stems will be too short and will not have nodes on them for for the roots to initiate at.
If the bouquet was constructed of 8-12″ rose stems, then I would give it a try. Remember to cut the rose heads off (and maybe dry them in silica gel, as in one of my other videos) and use the top 4-6″ of the stems for propagation purposes.
Thank you for your question and keep me posted on your results!
Hi Ingrid!
Your goal during the rooting process is to keep the rooting container moist but but totally water filled. An easy way to tell is to lift it with your hand. There should be “some weight” to the container. If it is very light feeling, I would add water until the perlite rises up a bit int the container. Keeping the container in a partially sealed clear plastic bag or “Blanket Bag” will help conserve moisture. Our goal here is to keep the perlite moist, but not to root the cuttings in water.
Hi David,
I’d like to do this with roses from a wedding bouqet but all of the leaves were cut off of the stems. Will this still work?
Thank you!
Hi David, I planted pomegranate seeds about five years ago, the plant is beautiful, healthy. I feed the plant on regular basis.
I use bloom booster in the summer,I bring the plant inside in the winter months. I trim the plant in the fall, but didn’t get any fruit yet. What can I do to encourage fruiting.
On the other hand I planted a guava seed, the plant is eight years old, past two years I have been getting guava in my plant.
I’m very proud of myself,I wish I would get the same result on my pomegranate plant, please advice me.Best regards, Tanjila
Hi Tanjila – What a wonderful place to be living in!! Thank you for the clarification!
Regards,
David
Thank you for your quick reply, my name is Arabic but I’m in beautiful North Carolina.
Hello Tanjila!
Yes, you sure can use the same procedure to root stems of your lemon tree. Proceed with the process as in the video, and pot up the rooted stems. Once they have a good root system, they may be planted outside. I gather from your name that perhaps you hail from Arabia…You should be able to grow lemon trees outside in your land. They prefer a well-drained, slightly acidic soil with applications of a citrus-type fertilizer.
Thank you for your question!
Regards,
David Clark
Hello Maria Solis!
The propagating container does not have holes in the bottom, only in the top to monitor the water level. The powder that I dip the stem into is a rooting hormone that has fungicide and plant growth regulators to assist in the propagation procedure. You may be successful rooting those green side shoots once they grow to a length of 6″. Prune them off the stock plant and proceed as in the video.
Keep me posted on your success!
Regards,
David Clark
Hello Judith!
As beautiful as roses are, our western New York winters sure can be rough on them. The rose your are speaking of is also known by the names of “Crazy For You” and “Hanabi”. My research tells me that it is hardy to Zone 5 (which we are), but sometimes our winter temperatures and windy conditions can be detrimental to roses. You are correct in assuming that the vigorous growth at the base of the plant is arising from the root-stock of the graft. I would recommend PULLING off not pruning out that growth using a gloved hand. Perhaps that process will push new energy to the budded desirable part of the rose bush. You can also try rooting some of the top stems, although the root system on “own root” roses may be less hardy. I am not sure if you are growing “Fourth of July” in a climbing condition or as a bush form, but winter protection using burlap, or wire cylinders filled with straw and leaves is essential for growing roses in western New York. And – should you be a resident of Hamburg, I believe that we have met before!
Keep me posted on your successes!
Regards,
David Clark
Hi David can I grow a lemon tree in a way as you did with the rose clips, do you have an advice for me to grow lemon tree. Best regards. Tanjila
Hello I loved your video
I have a question Does the container has any hole ok n the bottom ?
And what is the name of the powder that you apply to the rose after you wet and before you plant it on the port?
Also I have a rose that start to grow green parts on the side of the trunk.
Should I use the same procedure?
Thank you very much
David, A favorite rose of mine, Fourth of July, has struggled for the past years in our New York winters. This year I have better blooming on the healthy looking plant, but new growth at the base is showing what I assume is the graft plant. Is there a way to save my Fourth of July? Judy
Hi Lulu!! Greetings to Denmark! Signs of growth on the stems are an indication that there is a lot of energy in them and and they may be used for propagation!
Best Wishes,
David
Hi David
This is Lulu from Denmark 🙂 Thank you som much for this video.
I just got som flowers from the florist and they look like the are already growing a little in the vase, not roots but buds or stems?? I have to get these beautyfull roses in my garden. I’m so happy 🙂 I love roses <3
Hi Maddie! I do recommend using rooting powder as it contains fungicide and plant growth regulators to give good results. Regular garden soil is usually too dense for satisfactory rooting of stems. A soil-less mix would work best!
Hi Gauri! Greetings to you from New Delhi! Using a rooting powder will assist you in rooting the stems. Then inserting the stems in the pot with soil and covering it then with a bag should give you good results!
This would be wonderful to do with my valentine bouquet. Do you have to use the rooting agents or is there any way to grow them without the special mixtures?
happy to see the simple steps to grow roses of my first anniversary bouquet… I from New Delhi. I need to ask one thing…If i buy a pot with soil from market and dip the cur branch in that pot and keep it for 3-5 weeks,,,would it grow ? hope to get ur reply Thanks.,.,
Hi Jennifer! Thank you for your kind comment — I am glad you enjoyed this video!Congratulations on your propagation successes–I do have more videos on YouTube including: “How to Dry Roses” and also “Innuendo: The Secret Sex Lives of Plants”. I hope you will take a look!!
Regards,
David Clark
David, thank you for posting this video. I’ve always wanted to become a horticulturist. My house is like a jungle, full of plants that I propagated. I look forward to seeing more videos and learning more. I will let you know my end results.Thanks again
Hi Helen!!
I am happy to hear you enjoyed the video!!! It is the same process whether using a stem from your garden or a rose from the florist. Since you have been successful with garden rose propagation, I’m hoping you experiment with rose from your local florist!
It is my pleasure to share gardening information – Teach the world to grow One seed at a time!!
Regards,
David Clark
David, loved your video, wish I had found it a few months ago. Living here in SouthEast Texas, I usually have good luck with just sticking a cut stem into a good dirt, but have never had any luck with the ones from the florist, Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us.
Hi Reza!!!
What part of the world do you hail from?
The rose stems should be in a humid area — which is why we use the bag — for the entire rooting time frame. Thank you for your question!!!
Howl long should Rose should be covered by plastic.
Hi Linda!!! Thank you for watching the video. I hope it will aid you in the process of plant propagation. By the way, this method works with many types of plants!!! Keep me posted!!!
So glad I found your video today! I had a beautiful bunch of roses at home-so lovely, that I want to plant the same in my garden. However, my searches online and in our local garden centre were fruitless. Now I have 10 stems in containers and I’m looking forward to seeing what grows! I have dabbled in rooting cuttings before, but only had small success. (Was using a seed raising mix before…) I hope your method will improve the odds. Thank-you!!
Hi Ingrid!! Dynaroot2 is the perfect rooting hormone for “woodier-type” plants!!!
Hi Ingrid!!! I appreciate your comment!!! Once you insert the stem into the rooting container, you do want to keep the perlite moist. Just add water occasionally so it runs out of the top drainage holes.You can tell by the weight of the container — Covering with a plastic bag will minimize addition of water.
Thank you!!!
David i use Dynaroot2 will it work or is it to weak?
Great video David..im giving it a try.thanx
Hi David thanx for the video im going to give a try..One question how often do i water during the 6-8 week period?
Oh now I am excited! I won’t peek, and I certainly will not pinch off anything. I am going to start planning where I want to plant my new roses…………….going to get some compost and work with this clay soil.
Hi Carolyn-
This is awesome and EXACTLY what we want to happen!!! It shows the stem is still alive and that it is starting to form roots – DON’T PEEk THOUGH!! And don’t pinch off any of the new growth—
Let Nature Do Her Thing-
David, I noticed that a couple of my rose stem cuttings had growth already when i put them in the root starting product. That growth being at one of the nodes where an existing leaf it. It is growing little leaves and is about an inch already, should I pinch this off? or leave it on? I was excited at first and thought it may be a good thing, but thinking abou it now, I am afraid it may take the energy from the cutting making roots. Your thoughts. Two of the cuttings are doing this. I left the leaflet on at the node where the growth is also.
Hi Carolyn!
No question is silly—At the time of planting, I would invert the rooting container…one hand on the top and supporting the cutting. Carefully remove it from the vermiculite. The remaining vermiculite could be added to the soil in the new planting hole. I would not put the blanket bag in the sun – the temperature inside the bag can rise significantly and quickly to the point of killing the stem. It sounds like you are doing everything correctly – Good job!!! –
Gardening is a journey, and everyone has to start someplace. The rewards can be tremendous.
I am honored to be able to provide a bit of a road map for people to navigate the route.
Thank you very much Carolyn!!!
David, I know this may sound silly, but do I take my rose cutting out of the rooting soil to transplant or just cut the sides of the container and plant the vermiculite in the hole I am placeing the plant in? also, should I be setting my plants in the morning sun for a while? I have them in a blanket bag with one side open, they are on my front deck out of the sun, but ii is pretty warm anyway. I am afraid of baking them if I put them in the sun. thanks for your help and all the time you give us amateurs!
Thank you David, I will have the compost on hand to plant my beauties when they root. I am determined to do this!
Thank you David. I will change the containers.
Thanks again!!!
Manisha-
You sure can use the same stems as long as there is “life” in them.
Sure can I use the same clippings ?
Hi Carolyn-
Vermiculite also works well to root rose stems and other cuttings. It holds more moisture than perlite, so do not keep this container full to the top with water. Seed starting mix could be used, however it is not the same as perlite. When you get ready to plant the rooted cutting outdoors, prepare a hole about 8″ in diameter and a little bit deeper than the rooting container. Clay can be amended with 30% compost for good growing conditions. Keep me posted on your success!!
Hi Manisha-
That’s an oOOPS! to put holes in the bottom of the container. The holes go at the top so as to monitor the water level. Holes in the bottom of the container will allow the perlite to escape. I would give it another try!
David, Would it be okay to use vermiculite to plant the cuttings in? What about seed starting mix, could that be used as well? Would it be the same as perilite if it was kept damp like you explained in your video? Heres hoping my cuttings do well, I have them in one of the blanket bags like you used. when I am ready to plant outside, can I plant in a large pot, my soil is clay around here. I guess I could just prepare a hole special for my rose, is that possible?
David,
Thank you for this info. I will put them in a bag and give it try.
I put holes on the bottom of the container will that be a problem?
Hi Manisha-
Thank you for liking my video. I have been to Atlanta!!!
Under partial shade, covered with a bag to keep the moisture constant.
Occasionally top off the water in the container until it runs out of the paper-punch holes.
Rooting is fairly quickly at this time of the year. Again, 4-6 weeks, sometimes up to 8.
See my reply to Carolyn (above) regarding outdoor planting.
Thank you for asking your question!!
Hi Carolyn-
Absolutely yes. You can get good rooting in about 6 weeks. After that, the plantlet does need to be planted in the ground. I would give this a try with your Mother’s Day rose stems!
Hi Lyli
The rooting media does need to be kept moist throughout the procedure. Keeping the cuttings in the blanket bag will help to keep the water level constant.
Your video is great. I live in Atlanta, GA I got flowers on MD and want to grow a rose bush and got per-lite and the rooting powder and put them in the same way you did. I did not put them in clear bag since due the the time of the year. I have covered them and kept them in the patio under the shade outside. Its between 60 to 80 degree at this time here in Atlanta, GA. I wanted to ask few questions:
1. Do I keep them out door in the sun? or cover them? or under the shade uncovered or covered?
2. Do I keep watering them? if so how often?
3. How fast or slow is the rooting process at this time of the year outdoors?
Please let me know any tips that will help me grow these roses.
If I start a cutting now in wv is it possible to plant outside this year? Or should I just put in a bigger pot and keep inside? I really don’t have any sunny window sills to keep the plant in over the winter months, what are the steps I would take to keep it alive till next spring. My sons got me roses for Mothers day and would love to keep a few of them in my garden.
Do we keep watering?
Casey, I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. What a difficult time this is for your family. While growing a rose bush this way should work, there is nothing in gardening that is 100 percent certain. I hope it does work for you and your father and that you can find some comfort in the process.
I was wondering if this Ryan did work. Like somebody tried it and in 5 weeks or so was like “it works….it works”. The reason I ask is because I lost my mother rather suddenly a few days ago and she loved roses. That was what the flowers were for her service. My dad is doing this process now and will be heartbroken if it doesn’t work.
Good morning Yuridia!
Thank you for your question!
I am wondering what part of the world you hail from?
If you are referring to purchasing soil from a plant store, yes, you can use that. I would recommend using one that is a blend of peat moss, maybe coir,perlite and vermiculite. This mix would be ‘sterile out of the bag.” I would not recommend the ‘garden soil’ types that are heavy and dark in color.
Best of luck with propagating roses!
Regards,
David Clark
I have a question, could you use store soil instead or I have to use that? Would it still grow?
Hey there, Penny!!
Thank you for liking my video!
I think your gardening season near Houston is perfect for propagating roses stems-
I would recommend NOT doing the procedure in full sun…under a shrub, or a shady exposure would be best. If you are considering rooting directly in your soil, which may be sandy, consider adding compost to boost the organic matter and to feed the soil organisms.
Some folks have great results when rooting in garden beds, and covering the rose stems with quart glass jars to create a ‘greenhouse effect’.
Best of Luck and keep me posted on your results!!
Hi,
I loved your video. The question is…..I live between Houston and the Gulf coast. Can I try this now? Our weather is so warm, fall is when I change up my landscaping. Thanks, Penny
Good Morning Aisha!
Thank you for your question!
Perlite is only one type of rooting material. You can also use vermiculite [which may be better in your area because it holds more moisture], a 50-50 mix of peat moss and sand, & 50-50 vermiculite and peat moss I have even heard of folks being successful rooting plants in potatoes!
Regards,
David
can I substitute pro line with anything else. looking forward to experimenting with growing roses from the stem
Hello Hira-
Unfortunately, once the stems turn brown there is no life left in them, and they will not grow into rose bushes.
David
Hey again,
The rose stems I potted using this method hace turned brown. 🙁
Does this mean they’re dead? Is there any chance that they may still grow into rose bushes?
Great okay, thank you so much!
Good morning Hira-
Thank you for asking your question all the way from Karachi!
The process I demonstrate in the the video is ‘asexual’ propagation. Therefore the flower will be ‘true’ to the original stem. We are not transferring genetic material as in pollination or inserting chromosomes as in g.m.o. reproduction.
Keep me posted on your progress!
Kind Regards,
David
Forgot to mention that I am from Karachi, Pakistan.
Hi,
After reading your blog I have decided to try out this experiment. But before that I just want to confirm whether propagating roses through this method will actually yeild flowers of the same kind as the rose stem we started from.
Novice gardener
🙂
Hello Aisha!
Yes, I have heard of honey being used to facilitate propagating plants. However, honey is more of an antiseptic than a rooting hormone. Consider this: should we cut a finger, recognized advice is to clean the wound with an antiseptic, i.e. alcohol/peroxide, etc. and then apply antibiotic ointment to assist in healing. One without the other is better than nothing, but both together work great. The same applies to our plant rooting process…
Thank you for asking and I hope I answered your question!
Best Regards,
David Clark
Can we use honey for rooting?
I know, right. Thank you so much for looking into it! 🙂
Katie, the closed captions didn’t work well at all! Many of the words that were typed were not even close to what David Clark said, so it’s all gibberish. That’s so disappointing. Let me see if I can find a speech recognition program that can create a reliable transcript without me having to spend many, many hours typing out my videos. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Hello, is it possible you could type up the instructions or what was said in the video? I am deaf, and used the “CC” off of this video and it did not translate majority of what you said, I believe. That would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!!
oops ! Yes ! I meant to comment further—I searched for assistance this morning because I have no clue as to what I am doing! Thankfully– I found your video and got educated ! Thanks so much !
Good morning Rosie,
Kudos for: (a) Taking good care of your roses for 2 weeks and (b) Getting new growth! I’m hoping you watched the video for tips and have those stems in an appropriate propagating container, yes? Remember that it takes 6 -> 8 weeks for rooting to occur.
Regards,
David Clark
How exciting! Let us know how it works for you.
I had been keeping a bouquet of Valentine roses “alive” for 2 weeks when I noticed that green shoots were sprouting from the stems ! I cut them and have been growing them ! Excited to ( maybe ) have a rose bush or two from a bouquet !
Good morning Adnan.
Thank you for the great questions. I’m happy that we connected this morning on Facebook and that I was able share some propagation tips with you.
Regards,
David
I live in Pakistan, South East Asia and temperature remain in between 35 degrees from April to October. Is there any possibility to still grow roses. I do not understand few point so please guide me step by step.
* Can I use fertilized soil instead of pro line?
* Do we have to keep it in sun or away from the sun. If sun light is required than how long it should be in sun light.
* How may time do we have to give water or we just keep spray to keep it moist?
Hello Claudia Burdick!
Thank you for this great question!!
I’m unclear of what you mean by ‘growing a plant from an existing rose bush’.
There is a technique called ‘pegging’ or natural stem layering- where one would ‘nick’ or ‘wound’ the bottom of the cane so as to cause the plant to send rooting and protective hormones to the injury site. That stem is then weighted down to a bit below the soil level with a rock or a ‘peg’ stake and the area covered by soil. By next Spring, HOPEFULLY – the stem will have produced roots, and you may then separate that stem from the Mother plant. Good luck and keep me posted!!
Best Regards,
David Clark
Hello, Peggy Nash!
Congratulations on your Success!!
I would recommend to not plant your rooted rose stem cutting outdoors at this time. Our weather WILL take a turn to Winter sooner than we think. Outdoor plants need at least a 6 week acclimatization period to get their roots really good into the ground. Otherwise, there is the chance for the plant to ‘heave out’ of the ground by the ‘freeze-thaw’ cycle. At this point, I’m hoping you have already transplanted the rooted stem into a soil-filled pot. You will have to keep the rose plant growing from now until next Spring – remember our ‘safe’ planting date in WNY is around Memorial Day. Please provide the rose plant with as much sun as possible and water appropriately…a bit of water soluble fertilizer will help! – I recommend artificial light conditions to be your best bet.
Best Regards,
David Clark
what about growing a plant from an existing rose bush?
I have done this successfully on a couple occasions. I have one currently that I started from a rose in my son’s yard during the summer. I was wondering if I could bury the pot in soil outside and keep it until spring that way, maybe repot it into a larger container first. My house is usually cool and has few appropriate bright places.
Thank you Donna.
I’m happy to read that you enjoyed the video and commentary!!
Best Regards,
David Clark
That is a great idea and wonderful instructions. I won’t be having another wedding ever, but it works on any rose.