Crop/Plant Production

When planting roses through cuttings, the process involves rooting and nurturing the cuttings
until they become fully established plants. The following is a week-by-week observation and
care plan for planting roses via cuttings, starting from the moment you take the cutting and
progressing through its growth stages:

Week 1: Taking the Cutting

 Observation: Select a healthy, disease-free rose stem from a mature plant. The stem
should be about 6-8 inches long with at least 3-4 nodes (the areas where leaves are
attached).
 Action: Using a sharp, clean knife or pruners, cut the stem just below a node. Remove
the lower leaves, leaving only the top 2-3 leaves. Optionally, dip the cutting in rooting
hormone to promote root growth.
 Care: Place the cutting in a jar of water or directly into a pot with moist soil or a rooting
medium. Cover it with a plastic bag or a humidity dome to retain moisture.
 Signs of Progress: The cutting may begin to show signs of wilting, but this is natural as
it adjusts.

Week 2: Root Formation Begins

 Observation: After 1 week, the cutting should still be alive but might show some
yellowing of the lower leaves. If the cutting is in soil, check if the medium remains
consistently moist but not soggy.
 Action: Ensure the cutting remains in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight to
prevent overheating. If it’s in water, change the water every couple of days to keep it
fresh.
 Care: Keep the humidity high around the cutting to help it stay hydrated. If in soil,
ensure the cutting isn’t moved too much, as this can disturb the developing roots.
 Signs of Progress: If the cutting is in water, you may begin to see tiny roots forming
from the base of the stem. If in soil, root formation is less visible but will begin within the
next few weeks.

Week 3: Root Development Continues

 Observation: The cutting should be showing some root growth by the third week. The
leaves may start to perk up and appear less wilted.
  Action: If the cutting is in water, wait until you see strong, healthy roots (about 1-2
inches long) before transplanting it into soil. If the cutting is in soil, gently check the base
to see if roots are developing.
 Care: Keep the cutting in its high-humidity environment, ensuring it is not exposed to
strong drafts or direct sun. Light misting will help keep humidity levels up.
 Signs of Progress: You should see small white roots or a slight increase in stem
thickness. The cutting may also begin to show new growth at the top.

Week 4: Transplanting the Cutting (if in Water)

 Observation: By now, roots should be about 1-2 inches long if you’ve been rooting the
cutting in water. The cutting may also have small shoots of new growth emerging from
the tip.
 Action: If the cutting is in water, transplant it to a small pot with well-draining, rich soil.
Gently place the cutting into the soil and water lightly. If the cutting is already in soil,
continue maintaining the humid environment while ensuring the soil is moist but not
overly wet.
 Care: Gradually begin acclimating the cutting to slightly drier conditions by reducing the
humidity over the next few weeks.
 Signs of Progress: New growth at the top of the cutting should become more evident.
The roots will continue to strengthen.

Week 5: Acclimatization and Establishment

 Observation: The cutting has likely developed a stronger root system by now, and new
leaves should be growing at the tip of the cutting.
 Action: If the cutting is still in a humidity dome or covered, begin removing the cover for
short periods to acclimate it to normal air conditions. This will help it develop resilience.
You can also reduce the frequency of misting.
 Care: Ensure the cutting receives indirect light, as direct sun can stress the young plant.
Water as needed but avoid waterlogging the soil.
 Signs of Progress: The cutting will have more growth, possibly several new leaves and
shoots. The stem should look firm and robust.

Week 6: Root System Strengthening

 Observation: By week 6, the cutting should be establishing a strong root system and
could have several new leaves. The plant may appear more upright and vigorous.
 Action: Begin to feed the cutting with a very diluted, balanced fertilizer to encourage
continued growth. You can start training the cutting to grow upward if necessary.
  Care: Make sure the cutting gets adequate water, but allow the soil to dry out slightly
between watering sessions to promote healthy root growth.
 Signs of Progress: You should notice a noticeable increase in size, with the cutting
becoming more bushy and sturdy. Roots may begin to emerge from the drainage holes at
the bottom of the pot.

Week 7: More Vigorous Growth

 Observation: The cutting should now have established itself as a small, healthy rose
plant. The roots are likely well-developed, and you should see significant leaf growth.
 Action: If the cutting was kept in a small pot, you may want to transplant it into a larger
pot to allow for more growth. Continue to monitor it for any pests or diseases, such as
aphids or powdery mildew.
 Care: Prune away any dead or damaged leaves to encourage new growth and maintain a
healthy plant.
 Signs of Progress: You should see new stems forming, and the plant will begin to take
on a more bushy shape. The leaves should be vibrant and green.

Week 8: Transitioning to Outdoor Planting

 Observation: The cutting has developed into a small but robust plant. It may have a few
flowers beginning to form, though this will depend on the type of rose.
 Action: If the cutting has been kept indoors, it’s time to gradually harden it off by
moving it outdoors for a few hours each day, increasing exposure over several days to
avoid shock.
 Care: Make sure the plant is acclimating to outdoor conditions, ensuring it has protection
from direct sunlight and strong winds.
 Signs of Progress: The plant may be putting out more blooms, and the overall growth
should appear stronger and more established.

Week 9-10: Establishing the Cutting Outdoors

 Observation: The cutting should now be well-rooted and growing strongly. The rose
may begin flowering depending on the variety.
 Action: If you haven't done so already, transplant the cutting into its final outdoor
planting spot, ensuring it has well-draining soil and enough sunlight.
 Care: Mulch the base of the rose to retain moisture and keep weeds away. Water deeply
but allow the soil to dry out between watering.
  Signs of Progress: Expect the plant to begin blooming (depending on the season) and
continue developing more vigorous growth. It will have stronger stems and a more bushy
shape, with a healthy root system.

Week 11 and Beyond: Ongoing Care and Growth

 Observation: The rose plant should be thriving, with steady growth and possibly
blooming. Regular maintenance is now necessary.
 Action: Continue providing care through watering, mulching, and occasional
fertilization. Begin to prune away spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
 Care: Monitor the plant for pests and diseases, and perform routine maintenance like
deadheading and occasional thinning.
 Signs of Progress: Your cutting has successfully developed into a healthy, blooming rose
bush. The plant is ready for continued care and will thrive with proper attention over the
next months.

Summary

Planting roses from cuttings requires patience and consistent care. By week 10, you should have
a well-established plant that is showing growth and potentially flowering. The key stages
include:

 Weeks 1-3: Root formation.

 Weeks 4-6: Transplanting, acclimatization, and establishment.
 Weeks 7-10: Growth acceleration, with a focus on adapting the plant to outdoor
conditions. By consistently monitoring the cutting, adjusting environmental conditions,
and providing proper care, you can enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing a rose from a
simple cutting into a full, blooming plant.