How to grow roses in pots at home easy

1. Understanding the Rose's Living Environment

• Initially, I experimented with placing roses in various locations such as under the house eaves or in shaded areas, but found they thrive best in well-ventilated spots with at least 4 hours of sunlight daily.

• However, rooftops receive intense sun, rain, and wind. To counter this, during heavy rain or prolonged heat, I use plastic sheets to cover the pots. Additionally, to extend the freshness of the flowers and delay wilting, I set up a fixed awning (ensuring airflow and light for the plants); when roses bloom, I move them under the awning, and once they wilt, I relocate them outside.

• If plastic sheets and awnings are unavailable, you can use a mesh net for shade.

• Avoid covering the pot's surface with mulch, as this fosters soil pests that can weaken or kill the roses by feeding on young roots.

• I prefer lightweight plastic pots for ease of handling, transplanting, and maintenance.

• Choose pots of suitable size for the root system, ensuring adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

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2. Soil Preparation and Rose Variety Selection*

The process of growing roses in pots at home involves two steps:
 

2.1. Step 1: Potting Soil for Roses
 

• The soil should be loose, well-draining, aerated, moisture-retentive, and nutrient-rich.

• After obtaining clean soil, I mix in about 5% well-rotted cow manure and 5% composted pine bark.

• I replace the potting soil every 9-12 months. If the plant is too large for repotting, I remove some old soil and add fresh soil (prepared as above).
   

2.2. Choosing Rose Varieties

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Roses in Pots at Home

To plant roses in pots at home, follow these steps:
 

• I usually plant in the cool evening.

• Due to the stress of transportation and environmental change, upon receiving the plants, I trim all buds and flowers to promote plant recovery.

• Prepare the pot and potting soil. Fill the pot with a layer of soil. Gently remove the plant from its container, avoiding damage to the root ball. Place the plant in the center of the pot, add more potting soil (around the plant), press gently with your hands to stabilize the roots. The soil level should be about 10cm below the rim of the pot (to prevent soil from spilling out when watering). Use stakes to secure the plant; tie the stem and branches to the stakes to keep the plant upright and stable against wind.

• After planting, water thoroughly until the soil is evenly moist (water slowly until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot). Place the pot in a cool place for 1-5 days; water sparingly during this period. Then, move the pot to a sunny spot and increase watering.
   

4. Caring for Roses in Pots

4.1. Watering
 

• Watering depends on the plant's condition, size, health, weather conditions (sun, rain), and specific rose variety. Insufficient or excessive watering can affect growth and development.

• During intense sunlight, maintain adequate moisture by watering twice daily, in the early morning and late afternoon.

• Water thoroughly in the morning (ensure all the soil absorbs water); use a high-pressure hose to spray the entire plant, including both sides of the leaves to wash away eggs, aphids, and other harmful insects.

• In the afternoon, water the base of the plant only (avoiding water on the leaves); refrain from watering at night to prevent fungal diseases.

• During rainy days, avoid watering. After rain stops, check if the pot is waterlogged; if so, promptly drain excess water (prolonged waterlogging can lead to root rot and plant death).

• If the plant suffers from black spots causing leaf drop, water sparingly.

• Water immediately after fertilizing.

4.2. Fertilizing

• The rose varieties I grow typically produce a new batch of flowers about 30-40 days after pruning. I fertilize in three stages: first, before pruning when flowers fade; second, when new shoots are about 5cm long; third, when buds start forming.

• After flowering and wilting, I repeat the fertilization process.

• I use slow-release chicken manure from Yates - Australia, a high-nutrient organic fertilizer. Choose fertilizer based on individual care practices and conditions, following manufacturer instructions (dosage, application method), and considering plant condition and weather.

• Reduce fertilizer during rainy seasons (due to natural nitrogen in rainwater).
   

4.3. Pruning

• Pruning helps maintain a sturdy plant frame and beautiful shape, stimulates new shoots and flowers.

• For convenient care and uniform blooming, I prune all wilted flowers and branches, trimming down to a few leaf nodes (counting from the flower), adjusting depth according to plant condition, and shaping the plant canopy.

• Prune on sunny days, preferably in the morning. Avoid pruning during rainy days or when the plant is wet (as it can lead to fungal infections in cut wounds).

• Use specialized pruning shears and garden gloves.