I received some rugosa cuttings yesterday and am at a loss of what exactly to do. Read too much but could really use pictures of how to cut them to size. The cuttings are mostly newer-looking wood with main stems and a few leafy branches, minus the top bits which may have been flowers. One has a darker, old-wood stem. They've been in water glasses since arriving.

Should I try to root the main stems or cut the tiny branches and try those? Either way, is there a preferred minimum/maximum size? If I root the main stems should I trim off most of the little branches as well as the leaves? Is it better to cut the rooting end at an angle or a "V" shape, or split in the middle?

I don't have perlite or vermiculite right now but I do have some fine pine bark mulch and an older bag of fine peat moss. Do you think either or a mix would be good? Bought some rooting powder last night so I can use that, too.

Do roses prefer to set roots in the dark or filtered sun? I've read both. Maybe it depends on the method or rooting media.. I don't know. Hope it isn't too late already. Thanks a bunch for any advice!