How long does it take for rose air layering to root?

Ground-planted roses often produce a great many basal shoots. In spring, we can transplant the rose into a flower pot. Then let it grow in the pot for one year, and when the basal shoots grow to 2 cm in thickness, we can cut off the surplus branches for air layering propagation, and grow them into tall standards for grafting to improve new varieties.

Generally, for air layering propagation, spring is the most suitable, because rose branches peel more easily in spring. First choose a suitable position on the branch, make a ring cut at each of two points spaced a certain distance apart, then peel off the bark layer in between.

The cambium of the rose has a lignified part beneath the bark; the depth of our cut should preferably be just down to where the lignification appears. Then peel the bark off little by little. Be sure to scrape the green cambium layer inside completely clean, exposing the white part. Otherwise, the wound will only form callus tissue and will not root.

Next, find a disposable plastic cup, cut an opening in the outer wall and the bottom, and pass the prepared branch through the opening. Then use clear tape to wrap the slit of the cup a little to secure the branch and the cup. Finally, put a plastic bag over it.

Note that the cut must be at the cup's heavy pruning point or near the upper part. Then we fill the cup with substrate, while paying attention to check the ring-barking position on the branch. At the same time, press the filled soil gently firm to ensure the branch is right in the middle of the cup. After filling with soil, water once, and wrap the plastic bag well, sealing it all up.

After doing the above, use clear tape to stick the plastic bag in place to keep it stable, and do not let the plastic bag fall off by itself. Also, pay attention to observing it normally; when you see the soil inside has dried out, open an opening in the plastic bag and then give a moderate amount of water. Usually, as long as suitable temperature and humidity are maintained for 1 month, the ring-barked part of the branch will root.