Anyone with even the tiniest inclination toward growing plants has, at some point, tried their hand at roses. And most of us — let’s be honest — have failed spectacularly, except for those lucky few who must have secretly bribed the rose gods. So, what makes these divine beings so hard to appease? And why do our roses act like moody aristocrats that refuse to thrive unless conditions are just perfect?
Let’s break it down
Sun: Loves bright light 3-4 hours of intense direct noon sun.
Water: Go easy — less is more, touch the soil to see if the soil has dried between waterings.
Soil: Regular potting mix works, keep it vermicompost rich.
Temperature: Cool to moderate 10-25ºC.
Fertiliser: Hungry plant! Feed every 3-4 months. Also, once in a month add humic acid when the plant is new from the nursery.
Common problems
Low flowering: It mostly happens because of less sunlight. Ensure bright sunlight but of lower temperatures. So wait for the winters to get the most out of this plant.
Black spots (The mood killer)
Ever seen your rose leaves covered in dark patches? That’s Diplocarpon rosae, a pesky fungus that weakens the plant and makes it shed leaves like it’s constantly in autumn.
Fix it: If only a couple of leaves are affected, snip them off and do not let them hit the soil — fungus spreads fast! If it’s taken over, grab a fungicide (chemical or organic). Also, watch the watering; damp conditions make this problem worse.
Other common diva moments:
Less flowering: Your rose is feeling lazy.
Slow growth: It’s probably sulking.
Drying leaves: Time for some TLC.
To multiply your roses like a pro, the easiest way? Stem cuttings+rooting hormone. Snip, dip, plant, and let nature do its thing.
My VIP list: Here are my personal top picks:
Hybrid Tea Rose (Rosa hybrid): The classic, elegant beauty. Think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Floribunda Rose (Rosa Floribunda): The social butterfly of the rose world — blooms in clusters, always putting on a show.
Kashmiri Rose (Rosa kashmir): Delicate, fragrant, and reminiscent of old-world charm.
Alba Rose (Rosa alba): A timeless, tough beauty that thrives even with minimal pampering.
Grandiflora Rose (Rosa grandiflora): Hybrid tea’s dramatic cousin, with bigger blooms and just as much attitude.
P.S. Each of these comes in multiple colours, but their care remains the same.
Super Tip
Want fewer fungal problems? Cover the soil with mulch — dried leaves, hay, shredded newspaper, or even cardboard bits. Think of it as a protective blanket that keeps your plant safe and cozy.Now go forth and grow some roses! Or at least try not to make them mad.