Roses, often called the “queen of flowers,” are celebrated for their beauty and fragrance. Growing roses from cuttings is a rewarding way to propagate your favorite varieties, and it can be made even more successful with a simple, homemade banana peel fertilizer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to propagate roses from 10cm cuttings, using a DIY banana peel fertilizer to boost growth and improve your success rate.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Rose cuttings (10cm in length)
- Rooting hormone (or aloe vera gel as a natural alternative)
- Sharp, clean pruning shears
- Well-draining potting mix
- Small pots or containers
- Clear plastic bag or plastic wrap
- Banana peels
- Watering can or spray bottle
- Sunny location
Step 1: Preparing the Cuttings
Start by taking 10cm cuttings from a healthy rose plant in spring or early summer when it is actively growing. Choose stems that have several leaves, cutting just below a leaf node. Each cutting should have at least two sets of leaves, which promotes root development.
Step 2: Applying Rooting Hormone
Dip the cut end of each rose cutting into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Shake off any excess. If you don’t have rooting hormone, aloe vera gel can be a great natural substitute. Aloe vera promotes root growth and helps protect the cuttings from infections. Simply apply a thin layer of the gel to the cut end of the stem before planting.
Step 3: Potting the Cuttings
Fill small pots with well-draining potting mix. Create a small hole in the center of the soil and insert the cutting, burying it about an inch deep. Gently compact the soil around the cutting to ensure it stays stable.
Step 4: The Banana Peel Fertilizer
For the secret ingredient, banana peels provide essential nutrients such as potassium, which roses love. Chop up a few banana peels and bury them in the soil around the cuttings. As the peels decompose, they will release nutrients, providing slow-release, natural fertilizer for the growing cuttings.
Step 5: Watering and Enclosing
Water the cuttings thoroughly, making sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Then, cover each pot with a clear plastic bag or plastic wrap to create a mini-greenhouse effect. This will help retain moisture and create a humid environment, which is ideal for rooting.
Step 6: Providing Light and Care
Place the pots in a sunny location but avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the cuttings to overheat. Check the soil moisture regularly and mist the cuttings as needed. Over the next few weeks, roots will start to develop. To check if roots have formed, gently tug on the cutting; if it resists, roots are present.
Step 7: Transplanting
After several weeks to a few months, when the cuttings have developed strong roots, it’s time to transplant them. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil in your garden, and plant your rooted cuttings in their permanent location.
Conclusion
By using a natural banana peel fertilizer and following these simple steps, you can successfully grow roses from cuttings. This method is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to propagate roses, resulting in a beautiful, thriving rose garden. With patience and care, you’ll enjoy the fragrance and beauty of homegrown roses, and you can share the joy of gardening with friends and family. Happy gardening!