Indoor Rose Care
If you have been wondering if you can grow roses indoors, the answer is yes, but you’ll need to know a few important things. The most important aspect in indoor rose care is being able to provide enough light. Miniature roses require quite a bit of direct sun indoors in order to thrive. Provide at least six hours of direct sun. Southern or western exposure windows are ideal. Daytime temperatures of 70 to 75 degrees F. (21-24 C.) and nighttime temperatures of around 60 degrees F. (15 C.) would be ideal. Avoid any cold drafts indoors, but if you can provide good air circulation, this will help minimize instances of diseases that roses tend to be prone to. If your indoor air is exceedingly dry, they can be prone to spider mites indoors. To combat this, you can set your plant on top of a tray of pebbles to which you have added a little water to. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity. As far as watering, it is important to be very attentive to the soil moisture needs of your miniature rose. Use your finger to judge if your plant needs water. If the surface of the soil feels damp, don’t water. Allow the top inch (approximately 2.5 cm.) of the soil to dry out and then give your plant a thorough watering. Never allow your rose to completely dry out because this can quickly be detrimental to your plant. You should regularly fertilize your miniature roses during periods of active growth.
Moving Indoor Roses Outside
If you would like to move your rose outdoors during the warm months, be sure to place the plant in complete shade at first outside. Your plant will need to harden off outdoors; otherwise, the rose will quickly burn. After you’ve had your plant in complete shade for a few days, gradually increase the amount of sun so you don’t shock and burn the leaves of your plant. Return your plant indoors before the temperatures get too cold. Be sure to remove any spent flowers regularly, as this will encourage more blooming. Remove any yellow or brown leaves as well. You will also want to periodically trim your roses. Trim each cane back to right above the last leaf that has five leaflets. This will help encourage new growth and flowering.
