Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Roses with Toilet Paper

Step 1: Choose Healthy Rose Cuttings

Start by selecting a healthy rose plant. Look for a mature stem that is firm, green, and free from disease, pests, or damage.

Cut a section approximately 6–8 inches long, ideally with three or four leaf nodes. A cutting from a recent, healthy flowering stem that has finished blooming may work well.

Remove any flowers, buds, and leaves from the lower part of the stem. Keep one or two sets of leaves near the top if possible.

Step 2: Prepare the Cutting

Using clean, sharp shears, make a fresh cut just below a leaf node at the bottom of the stem. Make the top cut just above a node.

Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting because they would otherwise sit inside the damp wrapping. If the remaining leaves are large, you can trim them slightly to reduce moisture loss.

If you are using rooting hormone, follow the product instructions. Dip only the bottom end of the cutting into the hormone and gently remove any excess.

Step 3: Wrap the Cutting in Toilet Paper

Take a few sheets of plain toilet paper and lightly dampen them with clean water. The paper should feel moist but should not drip when squeezed.

Wrap the lower portion of the rose cutting with the damp paper, covering the area where roots may develop. Avoid wrapping the upper leaves.

Do not compress the paper too tightly around the stem. Leave enough space for air circulation.