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Miniature Roses

How long can I keep mini as houseplant? Let's see!

reesepbuttercup SLC, Utah 6b

8 years ago

In an attempt to cure a serious case of spring fever I picked up a mini from the grocery store. I've decided to see how long I can keep alive inside on the windowsill. So far it's been two weeks.

After bringing the rose home I took it out of the deco wrap and left it potted in its original container. Just this week I added marbles and water to the bottom of the outer ceramic pot to add humidity. Not sure if it's needed but everything I've read said it's not humid enough indoor to grow roses. Maybe the water will help? Next week I may repot the rose with better soil.

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Comments (7)

Jasminerose, California, USDA 9b/Sunset 18
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Cute kitty. Enjoy your rose. That's a nice sunny window and I'm sure it will last much longer than cut flowers. I've heard spider mites can also be a problem inside. Maybe misting leaves with a spray bottle can help? When or if it starts to decline, you can repot it and put it outside.

My local market flower manager knows my face now, because she always sees me stopping by to see if they have minis. Yesterday, she said she could call me when their potted roses come in. They sell out quickly, so I took her up on her offer :-)
seil zone 6b MI
8 years ago
The water in the marbles will help bring up the humidity around the rose but make sure the bottom of the pot where the drainage hole is isn't sitting in the water. That will keep too much water in the roots and they may rot. Misting isn't a bad idea either. Anything that keeps moisture in the plant is helpful. That pot may be OK for now but eventually it will need a much bigger pot.
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reesepbuttercup SLC, Utah 6b
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
WEEK 3:

Most of the unopened buds looked dry and appeared to be aborting so I went ahead and cut them off along with a few crispy leaves and blooms. Most of the other foliage looks good and I have a new bud that looks healthy. I think the plant lacked water when I first brought it home and while the leaves appeared to rejeuvenate the buds did not.

I am concerned that my windowsill may be too sunny for the blossoms. It is a SE facing window. And it is on a large shared driveway so lots of reflected light and heat from the pavement and neighboring houses. I could move it to a different windowsill. Not sure if I should. The leaves look good.

Went ahead and repotted. I have a huge bag of miracle grow moisture control potting soil so I decided to just go ahead and use that along with vermiculite mixed in. I hope it wasn't a mistake to use the MGMC soil. I just couldn't buy another bag of soil when I have that huge Costco bag in my garage.

Post trim and repotting. New leaves look healthy.
Ken (N.E.GA.mts) 7a/b
8 years ago
It should start to look much better now that the "shock" of being out of the greenhouse is over. Keep the soil moist, not wet. I buy several mini's during the winter and keep them on my east facing window until it starts to warm up outside. That's when I move them outside.
reesepbuttercup SLC, Utah 6b
Original Author
8 years ago
Week 5:

Appears to be doing quite well. One perfect bloom lots of new buds. I did just move it down from the windowsill to make room for herbs, hopefully it does okay in its new location.
reesepbuttercup SLC, Utah 6b
Original Author
8 years ago
Week 8

Still going strong. 14 new buds. Blooms last a very long time; two weeks slowly fading from yellow to cream. No bug or mite problems.
User
8 years ago
I agree with you. Do NOT place them outside. Mine thrive indoors with bright south window. When I place them outside, they get black spots.

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