Instead of buying a rose plant from a store, you can grow your own from a healthy rose cutting using just a glass of water and a little patience. This method is popular because it’s affordable, doesn’t require gardening experience, and lets you watch a new plant develop right before your eyes.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather a few simple items:
- A healthy rose stem from a plant you like
- A clean glass or jar
- Fresh water (non-chlorinated if possible)
- Sharp pruning shears or a clean knife
- Optional: rooting hormone (powder or gel) to encourage root growth
Step 1: Choose and Prepare the Cutting
Pick a healthy, disease-free rose stem about 6–8 inches long. Ideally, the cutting should come from a branch that has recently finished blooming — not one that is too woody or too soft. Make a diagonal cut just below a leaf node, because this is where roots are most likely to form. Remove any flowers or buds and strip off the bottom leaves so they won’t sit in the water and start to rot. If you’re using a rooting hormone, dip the freshly cut end into it now — this can improve your chances of successful rooting, especially for beginners.
Step 2: Place the Cutting in Water
Fill your glass or jar with clean, room-temperature water. Place the rose cutting in the container so that only the bottom 2–3 inches of stem are submerged — leaves should stay above the water line. Keeping leaves out of the water helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps the stem healthy. Choose a spot with bright, indirect light — direct sunlight can heat the water too much and slow or prevent root growth. Indoors near a bright window is perfect.
Step 3: Maintain the Water and Monitor Growth
One of the most important parts of this process is keeping the water clean. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation and bacterial buildup that can harm the cutting. After about two to four weeks, you should start to see tiny white roots emerging from the bottom of the stem. At this stage, keep watching — roots can continue growing and strengthening over several more weeks.
Step 4: Transferring to Soil (Optional but Recommended)
Once the roots are at least 1–2 inches long, your cutting is ready to be moved to soil. Carefully plant it in a pot with well-draining potting mix and press the soil gently around the roots. Water lightly to help the plant settle in its new home. A pot with drainage holes is important — roses don’t like sitting in waterlogged soil. Place the pot where it will still get plenty of bright, indirect light. You can keep a rooted rose in water permanently, but most gardeners recommend moving to soil so the plant can access more nutrients and grow stronger over time.
Tips for Success
- Always use clean tools — dirty shears can introduce bacteria.
- Avoid direct harsh sunlight on the water-filled jar.
- Be patient — root growth takes time and won’t happen overnight.
- If roots don’t form after a few weeks, try a fresh cutting — not all cuttings will root successfully.
A Rewarding Gardening Project
Growing a rose from a simple water jar is a fun way to start gardening, and it connects you with the life cycle of a plant in an immediate way. This method can also work with other houseplants and cut flowers, making it a useful skill for anyone who loves plants.
