Selecting the Right Branches for Rose Cutting
Today, I will introduce to everyone the knowledge about roses, particularly focusing on selecting the right branches for rose cutting. Below, the editor will provide you with a detailed explanation.
Those who have not succeeded in rose cutting can check the branches. Apart from the usual sterilization and disinfection, selecting the right branch is also a key to survival, even more important than sterilization (I never use disinfectant water for rose cutting). Let's see how to select the right branches for cutting.
1. The leaves must be healthy. During the rooting process, roses rely entirely on these two leaves for photosynthesis. Therefore, if the leaves fall off within a couple of weeks after planting, the survival rate is usually not high.
2. Do not choose branches with buds about to sprout. If new buds appear within a week after planting the branch, remove it early. The stem will likely turn black within the next couple of weeks. The nutrients stored in that section of the branch are limited, and with no roots yet formed, they are consumed by the tender buds, leading to the death of the branch. If you encounter this situation during cutting, remove it early. Blackening of the stem is not necessarily caused by bacteria. There are many bacteria in the soil, and the influence of bacteria on the branch is actually very small. Therefore, when selecting branches, try to choose those with very small buds.
3. Do not choose blind or weak branches. The reason is the same as the second point: too little stored nutrients make them difficult to survive. Even if they survive, it takes a long time to grow them. If you want to make the cuttings grow quickly in a short time, choose sturdy branches (commonly referred to as slightly thicker branches with shorter internodes between buds, not the ones that grow too much in length). I usually use the top few buds of the flowering branch, which can ensure that the branch is strong enough without affecting the overall shape of the rose, achieving two goals at once.
The above three points are the key to my high survival rate in rose cutting. I hope everyone can successfully propagate many roses.
Supplement: The soil is also very important. It should be well-aerated and not let the branches dry out or become suffocated. This balance is not easy to master and requires a lot of practice. Water more frequently a week before planting, and then gradually reduce the frequency of watering. After three weeks, water only when the soil is dry. If the leaves are still there after three weeks, the plant will likely not die. At this time, do not pull it out to check, as it may cause blackening of the stem. Pulling it out will destroy the exchange channel between the healing tissue and the soil, so be patient and wait for the new buds to grow. When the first pair of leaves of the new buds are mature enough, you can pot them.
The above introduction about selecting the right branches for rose cutting is provided for everyone's learning and understanding.