A kind neighbor gifted me a few cuttings of her beautiful David Austin English roses. It's my first time attempting this, so I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm excited to think that these roses will thrive and flower next year. While it's easier to purchase fully grown plants from a garden center, I believe the joy of looking after them and giving them life is more fulfilling and meaningful.
I made clean, diagonal cuts just above the bud eye, ensuring the cuts were at a 45-degree angle and approximately ¼ inch above the bud eye.
I stripped off any leaves from the lower two-thirds of the stem, leaving a few leaves at the top. This helps reduce moisture loss and encourages energy to be directed towards root development.
To aid in rooting, I used aloe vera as a rooting hormone. This can help stimulate root growth.
I cut the aloe vera into several pieces.
I thought it might be helpful to cut a slit to allow water and nutrients to flow.
I filled small pots with a well-draining soil mix, placed the cuttings on top, and sprayed them with rose pesticide to eliminate any potential infections.
I created a hole in the soil, and I found it easier to insert the aloe vera in the hole first.
I inserted the prepared cuttings into the aloe vera, ensuring that at least two bud eyes were below the soil level.
I gently firm the soil around the cutting to stabilize them.
I gave them enough water.
I cut empty plastic bottles in half.
I covered the cuttings with the plastic bottle halves to create a mini greenhouse effect, which helps retain humidity.
I labeled a disposable fork to keep track of the different cuttings. They are all mixed up, so it will be a surprise to see which rose they are.
I will know which rose they are when they flower.
I placed the potted cuttings in a warm location with bright, indirect light, aiming to maintain a temperature of around 70-75°F (21-24°C). I will keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged to avoid rotting.
After a few weeks, I will gently tug on the cutting to check for resistance, indicating the development of roots.
Hopefully, in the next few weeks, they will be ready for transplanting into a larger pot or into the ground. Next year, I will have an assortment of flowering roses.
Wish me luck!
Have a wonderful day.
Mariah 🍃💚
