How to Care for Potted Miniature Roses

Miniature roses are available in various sizes from 3 to 18 inches in both height and spread. These ornamental flowers must be given the proper care as soon as they are brought home. While they can survive living indoors, they must be placed in an area that receives at least five to six hours of sunlight. Gardeners must pot these plants in well-draining soil to prevent encouraging fungal diseases. Other cultural practices must be employed to keep miniature roses healthy.

Things You'll Need

Pea gravel
Saucer
Rainwater or bottled water

Fertilizer
Bypass shears
Insecticidal soap

Instructions

- 1
  Place your miniature potted rose on a saucer that has a 1/2-inch layer of pea gravel to promote drainage. Turn your miniature rose plant once or twice a week for balanced growth.
- 2
  Lift up your miniature rose plant off its saucer. Water your potted miniature rose plant by pouring either rainwater or bottled water around the base of the plant until water flows from the drainage holes. Place the miniature rose plant down on the saucer when water stops draining from the holes. Apply water to your plant when the first inch of topsoil is dry.
- 3
  Fertilize your miniature roses with a fertilizer that has an NPK of 5-9-6. Dilute the fertilizer in water and pour in your lifted miniature rose pot. Reapply according to the directions on the fertilizer.
- 4
  Prune your miniature rose plant with a pair of bypass shears. Remove faded flowers by cutting back to the five-leaflet leaf. Cut off any stems that appear discolored, deformed, spotted or prevent sunlight from entering the inside of the plant.
- 5
  Spray your miniature rose plant with insecticidal soap when aphids, spider mites or scales have infested your plant. Avoid spraying water-stressed miniature rose plants with insecticidal soap.

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