This method of propagating roses uses very familiar ingredients. It both helps to naturally disinfect and provides growth stimulants, supporting rose cuttings to root quickly, sprout vigorously, and prevent root rot in the early stages. I love that it is simple and uses items already in the kitchen.
Onions act as a natural shield for the base of the cutting, while a small amount of beer provides energy and vitamins to stimulate root and shoot formation. The key is meticulousness in each small step and patience during the waiting period. Each day, the branch adapts, accumulates energy, and prepares for its breakthrough.
Onion-Based Rose Propagation Overview
You will work with two onion extracts: one from the dry skins and one from fresh onion. The skin extract provides strong antibacterial and antifungal activity. The fresh onion offers enzymes and essential oils that stimulate metabolic processes in plant tissues.
When combined and lightly enriched with diluted beer, the mixture becomes an enzyme-rich, nutrient-available bath for the cutting base. It helps clean the cut surface, awaken regenerative capacity, and reduce early-stage rot. For a closer look at outcomes, see onion roots.
1. Onion-Based Rose Propagation: Prepare the Onion Skin Infusion
Prepare a whole onion with its skin on, choosing a firm bulb that is not bruised or moldy. Wash the outside to remove dirt and sand, then peel off the dry outer onion skin. This onion skin contains many sulfur compounds and flavonoids with excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Chop the onion skin into small pieces and put them in a clean glass jar. Pour about 0.5 liters of boiling water into the jar, stir well to dissolve the active ingredients, then close the lid. Let it cool naturally.
During cooling, the onion peel water will gradually turn a pale yellow color with a slightly pungent, characteristic smell. This aroma signals active compounds that are very beneficial for treating cuttings. Keep the jar covered while it cools.
2. Onion-Based Rose Propagation: Make the Fresh Onion Solution
Take about 30 grams of fresh onion, chop it finely, and put it in a clean plastic cup. Fresh onion contains many enzymes and essential oils that stimulate metabolic processes in plant tissues. It also helps clean the cut surface and limit harmful microorganisms.
Add about 500 ml of warm water to the cup, stir well, and let it sit for 30 minutes. This brief soak releases the soluble compounds you want. Set it aside while you prepare the cutting.
3. Onion-Based Rose Propagation: Prepare the Rose Cutting
Choose a healthy, disease-free, undamaged rose cutting. Use scissors or a sharp knife to remove all leaves and thorns from the cutting, and also remove any withered petals. This reduces water loss and prevents the cutting from losing strength during the rooting stage.
Trim the cutting to about 20 cm in length. At the base, lightly trim away some of the thin outer layer to expose the tender tissue inside. This increases nutrient absorption and stimulates faster root formation.
4. Onion-Based Rose Propagation: Soak and Combine the Extracts
Place the rose stem in the fresh onion solution and soak for about 30 minutes. This cleans the stem and awakens its regenerative capacity. Make sure the base is fully submerged.
Once the onion peel infusion in the jar has completely cooled, filter it through a sieve or thin cloth, discarding the residue. Remove the rose stem from the fresh onion solution and filter that solution as well. Then mix the onion peel infusion and the fresh onion solution together.
The resulting mixture has strong antibacterial properties and creates an enzyme-rich environment. It is ideal for root stimulation and early protection. For tips focused on speed, check fast growth.
5. Onion-Based Rose Propagation: Add Beer Nutrients
Take about 100 ml of beer and mix it with the prepared onion solution. Beer contains yeast, B vitamins, and a small amount of sugar. When diluted, it becomes an easily absorbed nutrient source for rose stems, stimulating cell division at the base.
Only use a moderate amount of beer as instructed to avoid excessive fermentation. The goal is gentle nourishment, not a sugary broth. Stir to combine evenly.
6. Onion-Based Rose Propagation: Set Up the Jar and Support
Prepare a clean glass jar and a piece of foam. Cut the foam to fit snugly over the mouth of the jar. Fill the jar with the onion-beer solution.
Insert the rose stem through the foam and place the foam over the mouth of the jar. Ensure the base of the stem is submerged in the solution, while the stem itself is held upright. The foam acts as a support, preventing wobbling and limiting the entry of bacteria from the outside.
7. Onion-Based Rose Propagation: Maintain Humidity and Light
To maintain stable humidity, wrap the entire glass jar and rose stem in a clear plastic bag or cup. Place it in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from strong winds and direct sunlight. Just a little diffused light is enough for the branch to maintain its physiological activity without losing water.
This microclimate reduces stress and water loss while roots initiate. Keep the setup stable and undisturbed during the first days. For a similar container approach, see cup setup.
8. Onion-Based Rose Propagation: Observe Rooting Progress
After about 10 days, if conditions are favorable, you will see very noticeable changes. The rose branch will begin to sprout new shoots that are fresh, green, and healthy, showing strong vitality. These early shoots confirm the cutting is active.
Observing the base, you will see many new roots growing out, white, plump, and evenly distributed around the base. This is a sign that the method has been successful. The rose branch is ready to enter a new growth phase.
9. Onion-Based Rose Propagation: Transplant and Ongoing Care
At this point, replant the rose branch in a pot with good drainage. Use coconut fiber as a growing medium to continue caring for it long-term. Handle the new roots gently.
The method using onions combined with beer is simple and easy to do. It makes the most of readily available ingredients in the household. Onions protect the base from fungal diseases and bacteria, while beer provides the necessary energy and vitamins to stimulate root and shoot formation.
Patience and Care in Onion-Based Rose Propagation
In cultivation, the most important thing is not just the formula but also the meticulousness in each small step. Patience in waiting is part of the process. Each day that passes, the rose branch silently adapts, accumulates energy, and prepares for its breakthrough.
When the first buds appear, it is not only a sign of success. It is also a very special joy for the flower grower. It is the joy of seeing new life nurtured by your own hands and meticulous care.
Final Thoughts
This onion-based approach cleans, protects, and stimulates rose cuttings with simple kitchen ingredients. Keep solutions measured, humidity stable, and light gentle for the first 10 days. With care and patience, strong roots and fresh shoots will follow.