Miniature Rose Help?

[MrsH530]

Just wondering if anyone has experience with growing miniature roses? I have a plant that is pretty sad looking, no leaves on the lower portion of the plant (just the top part of the branches). It did put out a single flower for me, which is almost spent (been open about a week).

I'd love to see it become bushy and vibrant again. I have no idea how to care for these plants, and mostly I just seem to kill them.

I didn't really find any helpful videos on YouTube, but if you know of a helpful one I'd love to watch it.

Thanks!!!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

How often do you water? (They don't need to be watered too much. Let it dry out completely between waterings.)

If you're growing potted, the pot needs to drain well. They don't like wet feet. Root rot will quickly ensue if they stay wet down there.

How much light is it getting? (All roses like moderate to bright light. They do very poorly in shade.)

Are you growing them potted or in the ground? (I wouldn't grow roses too root bound, it causes long term problems.)

What are the temperatures where they are being grown like? (They prefer intermediate to warm temperatures - all roses do; even though they can tolerate somewhat cooler temperatures. They look their best at 55 F to 95 F.)

Dropping leaves is not a problem. We trim all our roses back to having no leaves at all during the winter months, leaving behind green stems, and they grow back looking much better during the spring. I probably wouldn't trim back mini-roses, but I'm just making a point about leaves dropping not being too big of an issue.

[MrsH530]

Thanks for your reply, Philip!

I'm growing it inside in a window that gets bright, direct afternoon sun (my succulents are in the same window). I water it when it's dry. Since it's being grown inside I would say that the temps range from 65-75F.

A bit of background on this plant that might be helpful:

I purchased it last summer right as I was getting serious about growing orchids. When I bought it, the plant appeared very healthy, lots of buds, green leaves. I don't remember at what point it started getting unhealthy looking, but I discovered that it had spider mites and I was so annoyed (it was my 3rd or 4th mini rose to get spider mites) I threw it outside on my front porch and left it there. I didn't do anything to it besides watering it with my other plants out there. It looked REALLY sad, but still put out new leaves enough to stay alive.

When the first frost hit I took pity on it and brought it back inside. It started putting out leaves on the top of the plant and 1 single bud showed up about a month ago (opened last week). Now I see no evidence of any leaf growth. It's just kind of sitting there, not doing anything.

Anyway, I've never had any success with mini roses, in fact there's one sitting on my desk at work that's about to be put in the trash. Just figured I should probably learn something about them before I write them off completely

[NYCorchidman]

I would never dry out anything unless it is cacti. lol

Many of these mini roses come in small pots, duh, they are small plants.

The pots tend to dry out fast and without careful observation, mini roses just like any plant, will quickly get dehydrated giving that tired and wilted look. When watered too late, then the many of the leaves will not return to previous turgid state and even fall off. Repeatedly underwatered roses also easily fall prey to mites.

So make sure you water your plant well and do not dry it out.

Sun! roses thrive under strong light all day. Not enough light will result plants with weak leaves that easily get fungal disease. the white powder like stuff on the leaves. then there are also the black spot diseases but there are more common with larger varieties.

Roses (with a few exceptions) in general need winter dormancy. So potted roses will not fare well long term unless winter dormancy is given.

If you have unheated balcony where it gets quite chilly during the winter, that is the perfect spot to keep these.

Other option is to grow them outside in the garden.

[MrsH530]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

Roses (with a few exceptions) in general need winter dormancy. So potted roses will not fare well long term unless winter dormancy is given.

If you have unheated balcony where it gets quite chilly during the winter, that is the perfect spot to keep these.

Other option is to grow them outside in the garden.

I do not have any kind of enclosed balcony, I just have my front and back porch. So if it's still alive when Spring comes, should I just plant it in the garden where it'll be sunny all day?

[Subrosa]

I think your main problem is a lack of light. Roses as garden plants are full sun lovers, the more the better. Indoor lighting isn't optimal. Since it's winter hardy, a sunny spot in the ground outdoors is the best solution.

[NYCorchidman]

Originally Posted by MrsH530

I do not have any kind of enclosed balcony, I just have my front and back porch. So if it's still alive when Spring comes, should I just plant it in the garden where it'll be sunny all day?

I think that would be your best bet.

[MrsH530]

Ok, a spot in the garden is what it shall get! Just as soon as its warm enough to get it out there

[Paul]

Roses, IME, do not make good houseplants. It will indeed be far better off if you plant it in the ground outside this spring.

Btw, just and FYI ... being a "mini rose" does not mean the plant will stay small. Folks on a rose forum I chatted with informed me that the "mini" actually refers to the size of the flowers. Now having said that, I will mention that the one I planted up at my folks' place has stayed small. But considering the winters and relatively short growing season, perhaps that is why.

[NYCorchidman]

No, mini does not just refer to the flower size.
The plant size also goes into consideration.
Many of the mini rose will not grow large.

---------- Post added at 03:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:19 PM ----------

Originally Posted by MrsH530

Ok, a spot in the garden is what it shall get! Just as soon as its warm enough to get it out there

If you plant to transplant potted rose to the garden, it is best to do it as early in the season as possible for the roots to have enough time to establish.

If you are concerned about the weather, you can put mulch at the base of the plant during the winter the first year. then once the plant establishes itself in the garden soil, they should be fine.

I think you killed yours by taking it in and forcing it to get out of dormancy and grow.
It'll do it.