How to Grow Roses from Cuttings: A Beginner's Guide to "Slips"

Cloning Your Mom's Rose

Taking a "slip" (cutting) is the most reliable way to reproduce a specific rose exactly. It's easier than many think, though success rates vary by variety.

Key Principles

• Use only tips of canes that have already bloomed (semi-hardwood).
• Take at least 10 cuttings to account for failures.
• Rooting hormone significantly improves success.
• Provide high humidity (plastic cover) and bright, indirect light.

Recommended Resources

Detailed, illustrated guides are available from the American Rose Society (ARS Propagation Guide) and experienced rosarians (Cuttings Tutorial).

With a little patience, you can grow a genetically identical rose from your mother's bush—no seeds required.