Today, we continue our journey of propagating roses using natural methods. This very interesting combination helps disinfect and provides gentle nutrients to stimulate the rose cuttings to quickly root and sprout healthy new shoots.
1. Preparing the Cutting for Lemon-Assisted Rose Propagation
Prepare a healthy rose cutting of moderate age, not too young but not too old either. The chosen cutting should have a firm stem, a natural greenish-brown color, and no signs of pests or mold.
Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut off all leaves and thorns on the cutting, and also remove any old, withered, or damaged petals. This helps reduce water loss and lessen the growth stress on the cutting during the initial stages of propagation.
Cut the cutting short, leaving it to about 20 cm in length with two to three clearly visible dormant buds to ensure future sprouting.
2. Lemon-Assisted Rose Propagation: Make the Lemon Solution
Take a fresh lemon, wash it thoroughly, and cut it in half. Squeeze all the juice into a clean plastic cup. Do not discard the lemon peel; chop it finely and add it directly to the lemon juice.
Lemon peel contains many essential oils and natural antibacterial compounds which help increase the effectiveness of preventing fungal and bacterial infections on the cuttings. Add about 500 ml of clean water to the cup and stir well to dilute the lemon solution to a suitable level, avoiding damaging the cutting tissue.
Soak the rose cuttings in the lemon solution for about 30 minutes. During this time, the mild acid from the lemon will help clean the cut surface, stimulate callus formation, and prepare the groundwork for the development of new roots.
3. Lemon-Assisted Rose Propagation: Prepare the Carrot-Rice Solution
Take about 40 grams of fresh carrots, wash them, and chop them finely. Carrots are a source of vitamin A, natural sugars, and minerals that nourish young cells.
Place the chopped carrots in a clean plastic cup, then add 5 spoons of rice. Soaking the rice releases starch and a small amount of B vitamins, which are very beneficial for root development.
Pour about 300 ml of clean water into the cup, stir well, and let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the nutrients in the carrots and rice to dissolve into the water.
4. Combining Solutions for Lemon-Assisted Rose Propagation
Once both solutions have soaked for the required time, gently remove the rose cuttings from the lemon water. Filter out the lemon peel pulp, keeping only the clear lemon solution.
At the same time, filter the carrot-rice solution completely, removing any solids to prevent waterlogging or mold when rooting the cuttings. Mix these two solutions together to create a nutrient-rich solution that is both mildly antiseptic and provides the necessary energy for the formation of new roots.
5. Rooting Medium Setup for Lemon-Assisted Rose Propagation
Prepare another clean plastic cup and fill it with treated river sand. River sand has the advantage of good drainage and retains less moisture, helping to prevent root rot during the cutting stage.
Slowly pour the carrot-rice-lemon solution into the cup of sand, ensuring the sand is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Insert the rose cutting into the center of the cup, burying the base deep in the sand to secure it.
Gently press down around the cutting with your hand to fix it in place, avoiding disturbing the roots and damaging the developing tissue.
6. Create a Humid Microclimate
Cover the entire cup and the rose cutting with a clear plastic bag or plastic cup. This covering helps create a stable humid environment, reduces water evaporation, and maintains a relatively balanced temperature for the cutting.
Place the cup in a cool, well-ventilated place with soft, diffused light, avoiding strong winds and direct, harsh sunlight.
7. Early Results From Lemon-Assisted Rose Propagation
After about 10 days of patient care and observation, you will begin to see very positive signs. On the branch, new shoots will also emerge, and fresh green leaves will appear, indicating that the rose cutting has adapted well and the propagation process is progressing smoothly.
At the base of the branch, many new, ivory-white roots will gradually appear; these roots are thick, succulent, and firmly anchored to the sand.
8. Potting Up After Lemon-Assisted Rose Propagation
Once the root system is stable, you can gently transfer the rose cutting to a pot with good drainage using coconut fiber as a growing medium to continue nurturing the plant’s long-term growth.
9. Why This Lemon-Assisted Rose Propagation Method Works
Benefits of Lemon-Assisted Rose Propagation
The method of propagating rose cuttings using lemon, carrots, and rice offers a very different experience compared to traditional methods. Without the need for rooting chemicals or industrial preparations, you can still create a healthy, balanced, and safe growing environment for your rose cutting.
The Mindset Behind Lemon-Assisted Rose Propagation
The most important aspect of this method lies not only in the materials but also in the meticulousness, patience, and love for plants. By observing the cuttings each day, you can clearly feel the life silently moving within, from the first white roots to the vigorous shoots.
This is the simple yet profound joy of gardening, and it is also the motivation for us to continue learning, experimenting, and spreading natural, sustainable, and inspiring methods of growing roses.
Final Thoughts
Prepare a strong cutting, cleanse and nourish it with natural lemon and carrot-rice solutions, root it in well-drained sand, and maintain a stable, humid environment with gentle light. Look for new shoots and ivory-white roots around day 10, then pot up once the root system is stable. Meticulous care and patience turn this simple method into a healthy, safe path to new roses.