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Roses as Houseplants – Can you grow roses indoors?
Can you grow roses as houseplants? The answer might surprise you. Roses are often gifted to others, and they definitely make a beautiful indoor plant. However, you need to consider providing it with the best conditions possible.
While you might grow other types, the miniature rose remains the most common. Obviously, the size factors into the consideration for its popularity.
However, other varieties are also gaining popularity. Miniature roses require the highest amount of light. If that is a problem, you may select a species that can thrive even in partial shade. We offer many shade tolerant varieties in this article. Climbing varieties on a trellis make a dramatic indoor presentation. For a gorgeous display, miniature climbing species can be grouped together in larger containers.
“There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its existence.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Light, Temperature, Humidity
Outdoor roses flourish in the summer sunshine. They also require quite a bit of direct sunlight if placed indoors. In fact, they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. And that provides a challenge for many homeowners.
Ideally, windows with southern or western exposure work best. Alternatively, you may use a full-spectrum sunlamp to furnish or supplement the natural sunlight.
The temperature needs to be considered, too. The ideal daytime temperature is 70-75°F (21-24°C), and it should remain at about 60°F (15°C) during nighttime. They tolerate a little range outside of these parameters, but not much.
They require good air circulation, which most homes provide. And this helps them resist many diseases.
However, they will not tolerate cold drafts. So you need to plan their location away from air conditioner ducts and doors that open frequently.
Even with perfect indoor temperatures, your roses might develop problems if your home is especially dry. To increase the humidity, set the pot on a humidity tray. This is just a tray covered with pebbles and containing water. The pebbles prevent the pot from pulling in too much water and also prevent clogging of the drain holes. This passive humidity boost works day and night to keep your roses happy.
Water and Feeding
Watering must also be carefully managed. Use the finger test. If the top of the soil feels damp, all is well. But, you need to allow the top inch of the soil to dry before watering again. However, it is essential that you not allow the rose to completely dry out between waterings.
During the growing months, use a fertilizer meant for roses to feed your plants. Most need to be applied at least once a month.
Remove each flower as soon as it is done blooming. This encourages more blooms to appear and keeps the plant clean. Also, remove any yellow or brown leaves that appear.
You need to periodically trim your roses. Cut each cane back to just above the last leaf that has five leaflets. This encourages flowering and new growth.
Indoor roses perform best when repotted once a year. Use a fertilizer-rich potting mix that drains well. Consider the pot size, too. You may need to move your plants to larger pots during the annual repotting.
“I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.”
– Emma Goldman
Repotting your rose houseplant
Indoor roses perform best when repotted once a year. Use a fertilizer-rich potting mix that drains well. Consider the pot size, too. You may need to move your plants to larger pots during the annual repotting.
Starting new roses as houseplants
Ideally, you should plant your indoor roses in winter months, such as January or February. During winter, the plants are dormant.
You need a deep container approximately as wide as the plant’s canopy will be. Your pot needs good drainage, usually through the bottom drainage holes.
Choose a soil mix that provides good drainage and contains nutrients. Most potting soil mixes will work as long as they have a neutral pH, but some growers use a peat soil for its drainage. You may use your own mix of regular potting soil blended with perlite or vermiculite. Use 2 parts soil to 1 part perlite. This allows for the excellent drainage necessary.
Your new plants require the same temperature, humidity, and light as the established ones. However, they may be a little less resistant to changes.
Varieties to consider
With so many rose fanciers, the available varieties for growing both indoors and out continue to grow. One list we found for color varieties of miniature roses was by Stan V. Griep.
He suggests:
- Dr. KC Chan (yellow)
- Salute (red)
- Ivory Palace (white)
- Autumn Splendor (yellow and red blend)
- Arcanum (white with red kissed edges)
- Winter Magic (light lavender and very fragrant)
- Coffee Bean (dark russet)
- Sequoia Gold (yellow)
“Just remember, during the winter, far beneath the bitter snow, that there’s a seed that with the sun’s love in the spring becomes a rose.” – Bette Midler
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