
The first thing you will want to do is take a viable
cutting. This is one of the most important steps in the process because if your
cutting isn't in the correct place, roots will not drop. You want to be sure
you are taking a section of the rose that has a node. This node will be where
the roots start. The node is a natural knuckle on the rose with an extruding
dimple. You should also be sure your
cutting has a few leaves in the segment. These leaves insure the cutting draws
water through the stem all the way to the top of the cutting.There is some
debate on how long the cutting should be, but for the best results we have
found 4 to 6 inches to be the appropriate length. Also remember for less water
loss, be sure to remove the bloom from your cutting.
Now that you have your cutting it is time to prepare the
node to root. This can be done with a rooting hormone. Rooting hormones comes
in a variety of forms: gel, powder, or wax. These can be found at your local
lawn and garden store or online. They range in price from $6 to $40. You will
want to cover the entire node as well as the base of your cutting in rooting
hormone. This will insure your cutting has the highest chances of rooting.
It is possible to make your own rooting hormone with honey
and cinnamon, but be warned this is a fickle process. Honey may result in bacteria growth which can
prevent your rose from rooting. If you
decide to use honey, be sure to take multiple cuttings. To be clear, the cloning
process for roses can be finicky. You may try multiple times without
success. To raise your odds of getting a
successful cloning specimen, be sure to attempt with more than one cutting no
matter which method you choose.
The next step is planting your cutting. You may choose to put the cutting directly in dirt or use the potato method. What is important is that the end of your cutting stays nice and moist. If you choose to plant directly in dirt, be sure your using a small container and that you are checking the soil at least once a day for moisture.
The potato method can be useful for cloning most plants you will need:
o One Potato
o A drill bit the same diameter or slightly smaller than your cutting
o Aluminum Foil
o Strips of Newspaper

Start by washing and drying your potato; you want to make an effort to limit the possible bacterial contaminates on your potato. Now wet your newspaper strips and wrap them tightly around the end of your rose cutting. Next, use the drill bit to make a hole in the center of the potato just long enough to insure the node will be fully covered in the hole. Then place the newspaper wrapped portion of the cutting in the hole of the potato. Finally, wrap your potato in foil; this will help to lock moisture into the potato and protect any roots that may break through the potato. That is all there is to the potato method. It works great because your rose can feed off of the potato while it is working to drop roots, and the potato creates a constantly moist environment for the rose which means less watering for you. After two weeks, gently tug on the cutting; if you feel resistance your rose has rooted. Now you can remove the foil and plant the whole thing in the planter you have selected for your roses.
Planter roses are great because it gives you the freedom to move your roses around. Many of us enjoy receiving flowers for the fragrance they leave in your surroundings. Container roses are a great way to keep the floral aroma in your home year round, just keep your roses watered and near a window with regular sunlight.