Rose red white Miniature Rose Seeds

Miniature rose bushes are hybrid roses that are bred to remain small in size. They have smaller flowers than a regular type of rose and come in a variety of different colors. Despite their small size, they are actually very hardy and most varieties are long-blooming. Here are a few tips on how to care for your mini rose bush as an indoor houseplant.

Light

Typically rose bushes are meant to be grown outside, therefore the miniature rose bush and micro hybrids won’t bloom indoors if they don’t get enough sunlight. If the plant appears to be “reaching” towards the window, or becoming thin and “leggy”, they are not getting enough light.


They need between 6 and 8 hours of direct sun each day. I like to place my mini roses in a south or west window, especially during the fall and winter months. Depending on where you live, the winter months may not provide enough light for them to bloom and you can read below how to “overwinter” your rose bush.

Watering

Miniature rose bushes, just as regular roses, require lots of water, and they will dry out quickly in containers. Stick your finger in the container to check for dryness every day or two. The soil needs to be damp but not soggy. Be sure the container allows the water to drain. You might even put some pebbles in the bottom of the pot to be sure they get good drainage.


Another good idea is to use a rather large saucer under the pot that will hold the excess water as it drains out. This way the rose bush can use this water as it needs it and it provides a little moisture in the air. Miniature rose bushes enjoy moist air, but don’t mist them as leaving water drops on the leaves can cause “black spot,” which is a rather difficult disease to get rid of.


Deadheading and Pruning

Deadhead: You will want to deadhead the flowers on your miniature rose bush as soon as they fade. The will help keep plants looking good and encourage them to continue blooming. Don’t try to pinch them off with your fingers as this can damage the stem. Use sharp pruners and cut them at a 45° angle.


Pruning: As your rose bush gets older, you will need to remove any dead branches that you see. The best time to prune your plant is in the fall as the days are growing shorter and they are getting less sunlight. Yearly pruning will promote new growth as well as the plant’s overall health. It will also give it an attractive shape. Be sure to use sharp pruners to cut the stem at a 45° angle, 1/4-inch above a leaf axil.


Repotting

As your miniature rose bush grows, it is continuing to add more roots. If the roots become too crowded, what they call “pot bound”, your plant will not bloom. Check your rose bush to see if there is more than one plant in the container and if the roots are too crowded.

This would be a good time to separate the plants and repot them in separate containers. To repot your plant, loosen the roots with your fingers, removing as much of the original soil as possible. Replant in a pot slightly larger than the original. Be sure the pot has drainage holes so your plant does not get soggy.


Overwintering

Your miniature rose bush will go dormant in winter and will drop its leaves. This is ok. Giving roses a “rest period” in winter will actually prolong the life of the plant and keep it healthy. Keep it cool during this time. Water it slightly from time to time. You can move rose bush to a basement or garage for the winter just don’t let the roots freeze.