Why must the leaves of the rose plant be cut before planting?

Question

Jenny wanted to plant a rose stem. Her Science teacher Mr Joe advised her to remove all the leaves from the stem before planting it.

Question) Explain why Mr Joe advised Jenny to do so.

Answer 1

When you are planting a stem of rose, the leaves on it will continue to transpire water from them and the water in the stem will be exhausted faster.

Please understand that the stem do not have roots with which it can absorb sufficient water for leaves. Secondly to develop the roots stem should have enough water to support the root formation.

To control the water loss and increase the success rate of growing the rose from cutting/ stem,  it is better to cut the leaves, keep the soil moist and avoid direct continuous sunlight over the cuttings.

These all help in growing the beautiful rose plant.

Answer 2

The reason is that the leaves draw water and nutrients away from the stem. This is not good when the plant is trying to root.

Answer 3

Roots help the plant draw water from ground, and leaves transpire in the form of water vapour.

The plant cant have liabilities(leaves) before acquiring assets.(roots)