When starting a new plant from a leaf or stem cutting, there is a long formulae of rooting hormones. Most of these are in the form of hundreds of different products all containing the same root hormone. I personally use rooting hormones from checkers but there are several other types of rooting hormone out there.
The goal of the rooting hormone is to provide support to the plants root system as the new roots establish themselves. The support is also necessary because the new roots are not providing the needed nutrients and water to the plant as it was prior to the roots being attached to the plant.
Several things happen when the rooting hormone is used. The new roots start off broad and bulky. This is to provide enough stem to grow and not get knocked off during the crucial stages of the plant life cycle. As the new roots get stronger, the supporting act of the rooting hormone is no longer necessary.
The downside of using the rooting hormone before the plant has even taken root is that there is a chance that a few roots may die. So it is best to have several plants around the house that have different types of growth habits. What you can do is to put a rubber band on the main one in the off days and the other at home.
The rubber band is a simple device that when attached to the main plant acts as a support and holds it upright. What happens is that the stem that was previously attached, now grows roots from the end of the stem. The band is now sturdy enough to support the weight of the heavier root system.
It is similar to the way a carrot or onion has a support system to begin with. The next season they will send out a new plant from the end of the main root system.
When you are planting a rose from a stem cutting, make sure the cutting is not infected with a disease. If possible use a sharp knife to take the cutting. If not use a pair of pliers to bend the stem cutting into the shape you require.
Many times new rose gardeners have a planting hole that is too small. A tip I got from a Florida Structural Prewire business told me that before you place the cutting in the hole, you will need to remove any surrounding debris and reach down below the depth required. A simple little exercise could save you a lot of heartache.
Make sure you all the replacement soil so there is no foreign matter in the hole. Also, roses do not like soggy roots. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the entire root system without squishing the roots.
Once the rose is in satisfactory condition you should prune any dead leaves or damaged roots. The more damage they can do while in hibernation, the better.
Check for insects and if one has inserted itself into the bush, you may want to spray. A good spraying of insecticidal soap a couple of times a week will keep them off and help you save your plant.
One of the easiest ways to emphasizing the size of the hole is to Before you start digging, measure the root system, and don’t start lifting until the hole is almost level with the ground and the base of the plant.
When you finally plant you roses, be sure to fertilize with a “normal” all purpose rose fertilizer or a fertilizer specially formulated for roses.