Soda Bottle Greenhouse for Propagating Roses

Cutting Method

• Cuttings from roses can root at any time, but stems that have recently flowered root the quickest and most successfully. Rooting in the cool season, such as fall in cold climates or winter through early spring in hot climates, is best. Cut the stem to a 6- to 8-inch length, but make sure it isn't too tall to fit inside the soda bottle. Remove the old flower head just above the first set of leaves. Cut the bottom at a 45-degree angle just above a three- or five-leaf set. Remove the foliage from the bottom third of the stem so only one set of leaves remains near the tip.

Planting Site

• A shaded location where the cutting receives bright but indirect sunlight allows it to root without sun or heat stress. If you start the cuttings outside, keep in mind that the best place to root isn't the best location for the mature plant, which will require full sun when it's actively growing. Starting in a pot works well and aids later transplanting to a more suitable area. The pot must have at least one drainage hole and be filled with a quick-draining potting soil. Use pots wide enough so the soda bottle can sit inside comfortably.

Rooting

• Rooting hormones come in liquid or powder form, and they help the rose stem quickly grow new roots when you coat the bottom cut end with the hormone immediately before planting. Whether you root in a pot or in the ground, push the rose stem deep enough into the soil so it stands upright on its own. Cut the bottom off the bottle with a utility knife and set it over the rose stem, pushing it into the ground slightly to anchor it. You must keep the soil moist but not soggy at all times during rooting, although the bottle greenhouse will help conserve moisture so the soil doesn't dry out quickly. Removing the bottle cap allows some air circulation and prevents it from becoming too hot inside.

After Care

• New growth indicates the stem has rooted successfully. The old leaves may initially wilt and fall off before new growth becomes apparent. When the rose is actively growing, remove the soda bottle greenhouse. If you start your cutting in the garden, leave the greenhouse in place until frost danger has passed in spring to provide some cold protection. The rose will grow quickly when provided with weekly watering. Supply about 1 inch of water weekly in the garden, or water when the top 1 inch of soil begins to dry in the pot. If you must transplant the cutting, do so in spring or early summer. Plant it at the same depth it was growing previously in a full-sun location with soil that drains well.

  Note: It is illegal to propagate patented roses. However, there are many nonpatented roses available that can be rooted by gardeners.