Rose plant care: Fertilizer and Pest Control

Rose plant is considered to be the most popular and favorite plant throughout the world. They are known for their beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors and sizes.

Like other flowers and plants, roses can also be attacked by various insects and diseases. To keep your rose plants healthy and blooming at their best, it is important to provide them with proper care, including regular fertilization and pest control.

How to give fertilizers to the Rose plant

Rose plants require regular fertilizers because they are nutrient-intensive, which helps them develop strong roots, leaves, and flowers. The best type of fertilizer for rose plant is a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK).

List of fertilizers is mentioned below which would help the plant to survive and to grow slowly.

Rose Bloom Fertilizer
Vermicompost
Cow Dung Compost
Vermicompost Teas or Cow Dung Compost Tea
Epsom Salt
Seaweed Fertilizer
Mustard Cake Fertilizer

Must follow the given below steps to give fertilizer to rose plant

First Batch – If using any one from these three

Rose Bloom Fertilizer
Vermicompost
Cow Dung Compost

Loose the soil, add the fertilizer once in a month for continuous four months (April- July) on the same date of every month.

After adding fertilizer, always give water thoroughly to the rose plant.

Epsom Salt, Seaweed fertilizer, Mustard cake liquid fertilizer, Vermicompost tea or Cow dung compost tea

If you notice the leaves turning white, fading, or the plant becoming weak, you can apply Epsom salt once a month.
Mix a small amount of Epsom salt with 5 liters of water and use it as a monthly treatment for the plant.

For maintaining the nutrient levels in the soil and promoting significant plant growth, here’s a schedule to follow:

If you apply any fertilizer from the first batch on the 1st of the month, then on the 15th of the same month, alternate it with either Epsom salt, Seaweed fertilizer, Mustard cake fertilizer, vermicompost tea, or cow dung compost tea.

Important note:

During summers, the rose plant is under partial dormancy, which means they are still growing, but at a slower rate compared to their active growing season.
So, if strong fertilizer is given at this time then the plant would get scorched but any mild fertilizer is needed to sustain the plant.
Giving strong or heavy doses of fertilizer during this time can harm the plant, causing damage or “scorching.”
Instead, it’s advisable to use a milder or more gentle fertilizer to support the plant’s minimal growth and sustain its overall health during the summer months.

How to control pest attack in the rose plant

Roses are susceptible to a variety of pests, including mealybug, aphids, spider mites, and black spot. The best way to prevent pest attacks is to keep your roses healthy and vigorous. This means providing them with the proper amount of water, fertilizer, and sunlight. You should also inspect your roses regularly for signs of pests.

If you do find pests on your roses, there are a number of things you can do to control them:

1. One option is to use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

These products are natural and effective against a variety of pests.

2. Second option – If your plant is infested with insects and pests, follow these steps:

1. Take 8-10 garlic cloves and grind them using a food processor, blender, or mortar and pestle.

2. Boil the ground garlic in half a liter of water for 5-10 minutes, then sieve the mixture to obtain a liquid solution.

3. In a separate 1-liter container, combine 2 teaspoons of the garlic water, 1 teaspoon of neem oil, and a few drops of hand wash water solution.

4. Thoroughly spray this mixture on the entire plant, ensuring that all parts are adequately covered. It’s best to do this spray in the evening to avoid direct sunlight.

5. The next morning, rinse the plant thoroughly with clean water.

6. Repeat this process for 2-3 days, and you should notice the insects and pests disappearing from the plant.

Here are some additional tips for preventing and controlling pests on roses:

1. Remove dead and diseased leaves and stems:

This is essential as it prevents pests and diseases from proliferating in the garden. Timely removal of such plant parts helps in maintaining overall plant health.

2. Encourage beneficial insects:

Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, prey on pests.
You can encourage beneficial insects by planting a variety of flowers and plants in your garden.

3. Space your roses properly:

Proper spacing between rose plants is crucial for good air circulation.
This improved airflow can reduce the risk of pests and diseases taking hold in your rose garden, as it creates a less favorable environment for them to thrive.

These tips can be very effective in keeping your roses healthy and pest-free.

Also read: