Miniature Roses snow-birding indoors

So as I have been deprived of of sun and roses for the season with the exception of my "Trader Joe's"  purchase. Knowing they tend to dry out or rot, after there stint in conditions not as welcoming as the greenhouse. I decided to look up any suggestions out there to keep the little guy alive. I scanned a few articles....well two actually, and these seem to be the most helpful tips ~ plus a few I thought necessary.

~ Prevent root rot, make sure the roses aren't drowning in water. Put them in a container that allows water to drain.( that may just mean removing the wrapper or bucket) Roots like to breath....

~one suggestion mentioned a saucer with gravel to catch the water and to actually maintain a bit of water to evaporate, to help the plant handle the dry conditions of the house.

~I believe a grow light is necessary for the plant to continue growing and maybe even bloom. (I'm currently borrowing the florescent light from my aquarium for a few hours each day. I'll let ya know
  how well that works out.)

~Remove spent blooms and any leaves, that may have shed after adjusting to a new environment.

~Water after the soil has been able to dry a bit, I think sticking to early in the day, is a good Idea just as one would with roses outside to prevent powdery mildew.

~if Powdery mildew does rear it's ugly  head just mix up a bit of water,  few drops of dish-soap, baking soda and a few drops of olive oil ( I approximate my mixture because I use it in a small spritz bottle(there are numerous recipes out there more exact.( ....I couldn't find my book with the recipe I use sorry :P..... it's around here some where, I just had it....)

~ As the roses start producing new growth you may decide to transplant them. I say roses because there are typically four small individual plants. ( I think I'll keep mine together until they fill out the pot a bit more, if it looks like they need room then I think I'll use individual Styrofoam cups(with a few holes poked through the bottom for drainage of course.)

And lastly a bit of water soluble fertilizer....A.k.A Miracle Grow, I'm going to wait a bit for a show of good faith from my plants because I want to see a bit of action first.....but then again, I might give in, who knows..... I am excited for these little guys and I'll continue posting on how they're doing. I hopefully I'll be planting them outside next spring :D  
       
                                                        ~Merry Christmas~

     

 One of my projects as a cake decorator :D... one of the most enjoyable jobs I have had thus far.....

Sooo it has been quite some time since I have visited this page.  Life in the past few( maybe I should say many months) months became quite busy between work and school.  Rose gardening was not forgotten but sadly it was kind of put on a back burner. Between my husband and I we of course kept the vegetable garden and roses watered and I potted all but two of my juvenile roses into 1to 5 gallon sized pots.  I also attempted to cross one of my roses which in the end refused to take.

The most recent gardening activities I have done include pruning my roses following the example of our local public rose garden. I've decided next year, I will instead start pruning in the spring, after reading some articles and books which explained keeping the growth and hips on the bush through the winter season helps insulate the plant and prevent die back.

This year I started going rose crazy early. With my little herd on the back porch huddle together looking like nothing more than a bunch of bleak little twigs. I began pouring over pictures of roses At "Heirloom Roses", "Rose Petal nursery" and  "proven Winners". I even convinced my husband (Panda) that I absolutely needed one of those mico Minnies I found at the grocery store. In my defense it was pale peachy pink thing with large old fashioned blooms(some look quartered) and it had scent! The little guy smelled like a hint of summer and for 4.99 I was sold (thank you,

"Trader Joe's").... of course now I really need to hurry and get him a plant light! I keep rotating him in to the windowsill with the most light but hes going to need more. I wish I knew what he is..

 This winter I am attempting to get some rose seedlings going thanks to a hybridizer who sent me a few of his spares plus a few hips I snagged around the neighborhood so I am looking forward to this new project! So I'm just playing the waiting game right now. Cheers and ~Merry Christmas to all~

Today has been lovely and wet. The clouds low and dripping kept the temps up and the sun out of sight. It almost felt tropical... My roses are all dewy and they don't seem to mind the rain. Well all except for my one Queen Elizabeth OP seedling. I brought him inside because his feet were getting a little to wet for comfort. I hope he makes it as he is the last out of half a dozen little guys who didn't survive it for some reason or another....I've decided to baby him quite a bit because I''ll be very disappointed if at least one doesn't make it. (he kind of reminds me of "Littlefoot " as hes the last youngster.

There are other roses of course new to my collection and I am very much excited to see what they become. I received them from a benefactor on the rose hybridizing forum I belong too. There are about a dozen of them minus one I gave to a friend.  Each rose is quite interesting as each plant is a bit different. I think it is very exciting to be on the receiving end of a hybridizes extras, specially when they breed for hardy disease resistance. Right now they have all bushed out in many shades of jade and emerald and a few are developing fat little buds which I cant wait to see blossom.

One thing I am particularly excited about is winning a number of Oso Easy roses! I received the manure tea that was part of the winnings but I'm waiting for the newbies to arrive before putting it to use and for the rain to let up :)