I share a method of propagating roses that is especially effective and safe. After only 10 days, you will be surprised to see the new shoots sprouting green and the thick white roots growing densely.
Onions are not only a familiar food but also a natural “panacea” for plants. Onion peels are rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and organic sulfur compounds that can kill harmful bacteria and molds.
1. Why Onion Peel Rose Propagation Works
When we soak flower branches in onion peel solution, we are creating a natural protective armor that helps prevent root rot. It also provides trace nutrients that stimulate the growth of young roots.
Rice water is a folk secret that has been applied for a long time. Rice contains a lot of starch, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and especially phytic acid, a compound that helps break down minerals to help plants absorb nutrients easily.
Combining onion peel solution with rice water creates a mixture with strong antibacterial properties. It also provides the necessary starch and vitamins, creating a perfect environment for root formation.
2. Step-by-Step Onion Peel Rose Propagation
Prepare the Onion Peel Solution
Prepare an onion. Wash the onion, peel off the skin, chop it, and put it in a glass jar with 500 ml of boiling water.
Cover and let it cool. At this time the essence from the onion peel has dissolved in the water, creating a wonderful plant nutrient solution.
Select and Prepare the Rose Cutting
Prepare a healthy rose branch and choose a young branch that is not too young or too old. This is the age when the branch has the best ability to root.
Cut off all the leaves and sharp thorns to limit water loss, then cut it short, leaving only 15 – 20 cm. This treatment helps the branch focus its energy on sprouting and developing roots, and reduces the risk of fungal attacks from excess leaves.
Fortify the Solution and Soak the Cutting
When the onion peel solution has cooled, filter out the residue and keep the clear water. To increase the strength, chop about 30 grams of fresh onion and put it directly into the filtered solution.
Fresh onions contain a lot of phytoncide, a powerful plant antibiotic compound that helps disinfect cuts and stimulate root cell division. Soak the rose branches in this solution for 30 minutes so the essence penetrates deep into the wood tissue.
Make Nutrient-Rich Rice Water
Thoroughly wash 100 grams of rice with 500 ml of clean water. You will get a milky white solution rich in nutrients.
This is a natural source of energy, providing food for the flower branches right from the beginning.
Combine and Create the Rooting Mix
After the flower branches have soaked in the onion solution for a sufficient amount of time, take them out and combine this solution with the rice water. Stir well to blend the nutrients.
The resulting mixture is like a magic water specifically for rose cuttings.
Set Up the Jar and Mini Greenhouse
Prepare a clean glass jar and a piece of foam. Cut the foam so it fits the mouth of the jar, then use a small stick to make a hole in the middle, just the size of the flower branch.
Fill the jar with the onion-rice solution, then cover with the foam on top. Insert the base of the rose branch through the small hole so the base is submerged in the solution, just enough to have direct contact with the nutrients.
The foam will keep the branch upright and steady, helping the roots develop more stably. To ensure humidity and avoid environmental impacts, cover the mouth of the jar tightly with a plastic bag or a transparent plastic cup.
Place it in a cool place, away from strong winds and harsh sunlight. This is the ideal mini greenhouse environment, helping the flower branches maintain a stable temperature and humidity throughout the rooting process.
Rooting Results and Transplanting
After only 10 days, you will see a miracle happen. The rose branch begins to sprout green, vibrant young shoots.
At the base, countless white, plump roots spread around the cut, a sign that the branch is ready to be planted in a large pot. Gently move the plant to a pot with a well-drained substrate, preferably river sand, so the young roots are airy, easy to adhere, and grow strongly.
Final Thoughts on Onion Peel Rose Propagation
With just onions and rice water, you have in hand a secret to cutting rose branches that is simple and effective. This method is safe and avoids the need for expensive chemicals. Enjoy the quick rooting and healthy growth of your new rose plants.