Rooting Rose Cuttings in Water: Stems in Jars Then Into Pots
Rose cuttings in water start as a short green stem placed in a jar the moment it is cut. The sources below root rose stems in moist mix, so the water jar is a short stop before the stem goes into a pot.
The short answer
UC Master Gardeners advise a current year stem that has finished flowering, about 8 inches long for a hybrid tea. Place the base in water right after cutting. Iowa State notes cuttings are the most effective way for home gardeners to propagate roses. Root the stem in moist mix under cover.
Which rose stems root well?
UC Master Gardeners describe the right stem. It should be a well grown stem from this year that has finished flowering. It should be green plus slightly flexible but not floppy, with 4 or 5 leaf nodes. Old woody stems root poorly. Miniature roses usually root well plus are a good place to learn.
Iowa State University Extension notes the easiest method is semi hardwood cuttings. These come from mature new growth in mid to late summer, July plus August.
How do you prepare a rose cutting?
UC Master Gardeners advise about 8 inches for a hybrid tea or 4 to 5 inches for smaller roses. Put the base in water once cut. Cut the base straight across just below a node. Cut the top at an angle just above the 4th or 5th joint.
Iowa State Extension advises pinching off the leaves on the lower half plus removing any flowers. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then insert it about 2 inches deep in moist rooting medium.
| Step | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Stem | This year, done flowering | UC Master Gardeners |
| Length | About 8 inches, 4 to 5 for small roses | UC Master Gardeners |
| Leaves | Pinch off the lower half | Iowa State |
| Rooting time | 6 to 8 weeks for most shrubs | Iowa State |
| Light | Bright, not direct sun | Iowa State |
Source: UC Master Gardeners plus Iowa State University Extension.
Why do many rose cuttings fail in water?
Iowa State Extension notes a cutting has no roots to take up water yet still loses water through its leaves. Too much loss makes it wilt. Its pages advise a rooting medium that holds moisture yet drains well, such as sand, perlite or vermiculite, with a clear cover to cut water loss.
UC Master Gardeners note most roses sold today are grafted onto a rootstock, plus some types respond better to cuttings than others.
When should rooted roses be potted up?
Iowa State notes rooting of most deciduous shrubs takes 6 to 8 weeks. Check a few cuttings after 4 to 5 weeks. Once roots are well formed, harden the cuttings off, then move each into its own pot of potting mix. Young plants can go in the ground in early fall.
How to: step by step
- Cut a stem from this year that has flowered.
- Drop the base into water right away.
- Trim it below a node plus above the 4th joint.
- Pinch off the lower leaves plus any flowers.
- Dip the base in rooting hormone.
- Root it in moist mix in bright shade.
Troubleshooting
Wilting cutting: leaf water loss. Iowa State advises a clear bag over the pot.
Stem blackens: old woody growth. UC Master Gardeners note woody stems are hard to root.
No roots at 5 weeks: slow wood. Iowa State advises putting the cutting back for more time while the stem stays green.
For rooting see hydroponic in different mediums plus make cannabis clones. Read caring for your hydroponic system. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Growing roses from cuttings, UC ANR, The Backyard Gardener
- How to propagate roses, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Propagation of deciduous trees and shrubs from semi-hardwood cuttings, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Rosa (rose), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
FAQ
How long do rose cuttings take to root?
Iowa State University Extension notes semi hardwood cuttings of most deciduous shrubs root in 6 to 8 weeks. It advises checking two or three after 4 to 5 weeks. A stem that is still green is still viable plus should root in time.
Can any rose be grown from a cutting?
UC Master Gardeners note some types of roses respond better to cuttings than others. Miniature roses usually root well. Most roses sold today are grafted onto a hardy rootstock, so a cutting grows on its own roots rather than on that rootstock.
Is water or potting mix better for roses?
The Extension pages here root rose cuttings in moist mix. UC Master Gardeners use a seed starting mix with vermiculite or perlite. Iowa State advises a medium that holds moisture yet drains well, such as coarse sand, perlite or vermiculite.
When should rooted roses go into the garden?
Iowa State University Extension advises hardening off rooted cuttings, then moving each into its own pot of potting mix. Young plants can be planted in the ground in early fall. Some gardeners grow them a year or two before moving them.
How long should a rose cutting be?
UC Master Gardeners advise a stem about 8 inches long for a hybrid tea rose or 4 to 5 inches for smaller roses. It should have 4 or 5 leaf nodes. Iowa State notes semi hardwood cuttings run about 4 to 6 inches.
