Care of Roses

The care of roses is a comprehensive process involving multiple aspects such as light, temperature, water, soil, fertilization, pruning, and pest control. Here are detailed guidelines:

1. Light

• Requirement: Roses need sufficient light. At least 6 hours of daily sunlight helps photosynthesis and growth.
• Precautions: Plant in sunny spots if possible. In midsummer, shade appropriately to prevent flower withering from water loss.

2. Temperature

• Suitable range: Roses prefer warmth, fear heat, and are relatively cold – resistant. Generally, 22 – 25℃ is the optimal temperature.
• High – temperature handling: High summer temperatures are bad for flowering. If over 30℃, flowering reduces and quality drops, and they enter a semi – dormant state. Shade and increase spraying frequency to keep the environment moist.
• Low – temperature handling: Roses are cold – resistant. When the temperature is below 5℃ in winter, they enter dormancy. Most varieties can tolerate – 15℃, but avoid extreme cold damage.

3. Water

• Requirement: Roses like a humid environment. The relative air humidity is best controlled between 75% – 80%. They can endure some drought but severe dryness affects growth.
• Watering principle: Follow the principle of “water when dry, and water thoroughly”. Increase watering in spring and autumn. Spray water in the morning and evening in summer. Reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot from waterlogging.

4. Soil

• Requirement: Roses prefer loose, well – drained soil with good water and fertilizer – retaining capacity. Slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter is most suitable.
• Improvement measures: For compacted and calcareous soils, add leaf mold, perlite, etc. to improve the soil structure. Regularly repot and change the soil to ensure fertility and looseness.

5. Fertilization

• Principle: Frequent application of thin fertilizers is the basic rule. Apply decomposed organic or compound fertilizers every 7 – 10 days during the growing season.
• Specific methods: Don’t use strong fertilizers when new roots grow in spring. Fertilize promptly after full bloom in May. Control fertilization in late autumn. Apply sufficient organic fertilizers after winter pruning before budding.

6. Pruning

• Importance: Pruning is one of the most important tasks in rose cultivation. Timely pruning promotes healthy growth, increases flower quantity, and improves plant shape.
• Pruning time: Mainly do heavy pruning in winter. Light pruning during the growing season to maintain a beautiful shape.
• Pruning methods: Cut off diseased, weak, degenerate, and over – dense branches. Shorten or thin branches according to the desired tree shape. Cut off flower stalks after blooming to promote new bud germination.

7. Pest Control

• Common diseases: Powdery mildew, gray mold, black spot, leaf blight, etc.
• Common pests: Thrips, slug caterpillars, scale insects, aphids, etc.
• Control measures: Regularly spray insecticides like imidacloprid to prevent and control pests. For diseases, prevention is key. Spray fungicides like carbendazim and thiophanate – methyl in high – temperature and high – humidity seasons. Strengthen fertilizer and water management to improve plant resistance.