trying again

16 years ago

Hi all......

I am new to this particular branch of the Garden Web forums. I am sure this kind of general question has been asked and answered many times, but here it is agian. I have tried miniature rose bushes so many times. Container grown. They have always, always died off rather quickly. I have tried them outdoors and indoors. I don't know if it is the stock I'm getting or what. I have a porch, screened in, with the west wall completely screened in. A big wall of screen floor to ceiling. The rest of the walls are solid. There is plenty of afternoon sun. I just don't know what I am doing wrong. Even with sufficient watering, the plants always die. The plants I've gotten are usually the ones that go around for sale around Mother's Day. Usually almost immediately the leaves start turning brown and falling off and within a few weeks the plants are dead. I want so, so much to be successful with at least 1 of these tiny beauties, but just don't know what I am doing wrong. Any suggestions?

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Comments (3)

shenue
Original Author
16 years ago
OH...and I forgot to add that this time I will be container growing on the porch. Thanks again for any help!
diane_nj 6b/7a
16 years ago
Most problems with "grocery store" minis center around watering (too much or too little) and not enough sunlight. You may think your screened in porch has enough sunlight, I would have to see it to know for sure. Minimum of 6 hours of full sun, and most minis want more. Also, it is difficult to create enough humidity indoors for the plant and to avoid spider mites. They really, really want to be outside.

In addition, grocery store minis need to be "hardened off", which means to gradually expose the plant to direct sunlight. Put the plant in shade or dappled shade and give it just an hour of sun in the beginning, moving it to full sun over two weeks. If the leaves start to burn, put it back into shade, water it, and start the process again in two days.

Read through the thread How to save a potted gift rose.
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shenue
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you, Diane, for your response. Sorry I took so long to get back to this and thank you. I had to leave unexpectedly and just got back. I will read the recommended thread and see how it goes this time. Again, thanks.