Propagating Sentimental Trees from Cuttings

A homeowner in Southern California must sell their childhood home and wants to propagate two orange trees and a rose bush planted by their deceased father 20 years ago. They ask how to take and root cuttings to create new trees.

For citrus (orange trees): Citrus roots readily from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring to early summer. Select 6–8 inch terminal cuttings from healthy, disease-free growth. Remove lower leaves, dip the base in rooting hormone (IBA powder or gel), and plant in a well-draining mix (1:1 peat:perlite or sand). Maintain high humidity with a clear plastic dome or bag, place in bright indirect light, and keep media moist. Rooting takes 6–10 weeks. Once rooted, acclimate gradually to lower humidity, then pot up. Citrus grown from cuttings will fruit in 2–3 years but lack the disease resistance and cold hardiness of grafted nursery trees on appropriate rootstocks.

For the rose: Take 6–8 inch cuttings from recently bloomed canes (semi-hardwood) in late spring or early fall. Remove flowers and lower leaves, wound the base slightly, apply rooting hormone, and stick in moist rooting medium under humidity cover. Roses root in 4–8 weeks.

Key tips: Use clean tools, label cuttings, and don't rush hardening off. For long-term success, consider grafting citrus onto disease-resistant rootstock (e.g., 'Carrizo' citrange, 'Flying Dragon' trifoliate orange) once cuttings are established. Local extension offices or citrus societies often offer grafting workshops.