Calling all those with Green Thumbs

[sparks19]

Alright.... I must confess.... I am incapable of keeping plants alive.

hubby got me a potted rose bush for mothers day. I am desperately trying to keep it alive but slowly.... the plant is dying. I don't want to plant it in the ground because I would like to take it with me when we move out of this house.

We now think that perhaps it needs a bigger pot to be planted in. Although now I am worried it won't survive and transplant.

there are still green parts and even some new flower buds..... but more and more is dying.

Can I save my plant or is it too late? and if I can save it... how?

[Karen]

Go to your local garden center, and ask what fertilizer you need for a rose. If it came with a tag, bring that with you. And do repot it, in new dirt, ask for a recomendation on what dirt for roses. Is it in a spot that is getting enough sun? How often do you water it?

[Pam]

It may actually do better in the ground. My daughter gave me a small rose bush for Mother's Day too and it was dying in the container. I planted it outside and it is coming back with lots of new growth. You can always dig it up and take it with you when you are ready to move. Transplanting is better, though, in the spring and fall. Karen also has a good idea about speaking with the people at your garden center. Good luck!

[sparks19]

Go to your local garden center, and ask what fertilizer you need for a rose. If it came with a tag, bring that with you. And do repot it, in new dirt, ask for a recomendation on what dirt for roses. Is it in a spot that is getting enough sun? How often do you water it?

It does have a tag in it so I will bring that. It sits right in the window sill and seems to get quite a bit of sun b ut I am going to start putting it outside more often. I water it whenever the top of the soil feels dry... that's what the instructions said to do.

I think it's outgrown it's container..... what if I get a really BIG pot to plant it in. I didn't realize that I could dig it up and transplant it though. So maybe I will find a good spot outside to plant it after speaking with the garden center.

[karyn674]

can we see the plant? can you post a picture?

It would be much easier to see what is the problem. Check underneath the leaves cos it might be also a disease.

Also be careful that you do not overwater cos it could die of root rot. The majority of cases, plants die of overwatering!

[sparks19]

can we see the plant? can you post a picture?

It would be much easier to see what is the problem. Check underneath the leaves cos it might be also a disease.

Also be careful that you do not overwater cos it could die of root rot. The majority of cases, plants die of overwatering!

I will try to get a decent picture of it when I get home from work tonight.

it is in a tiny little pot so I think first thing is to replant it.... but I have also been noticing these little webby things on it.... but they are different from spider webs. I hope a bug isn't killing it.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Turn those leaves over and look underneath. Do you have a magnifying glass if needed? There are so many culprits that could be hiding right now, under the leaves. Down here, we're covered up with bugs, especially in the summer. Best advice is definitely head to the garden shop for some help.

I personally keep something on hand that is a combination fungicide/insecticide. I can't remember the name but Wal-mart even carries some good ones. I think it's called Safer. Always remember to spray the underside of the leaves and not just the tops. While the tops are protected, the bugs are eating away underneath the leaves and destroying the plant. Also, Ortho has a good combo you can get. It's granulated, in a tall can with a picture of roses on it. It's great. Roses are very susceptible to all kinds of things but with a little TLC every couple of days, the rewards are worth it.

To save a trip to the store if necessary, I mix some water(a cool whip size bowlful), a drop of dish soap, and a capful of alcohol(from your medicine cabinet). I wear gloves and bathe the leaves of the plant with cotton balls(anything small). This will wash away most problems and it's good as new. You may need to repeat in a week or two. We have a guy here on tv called the Garden Rebel. He gives out these recipes all the time. Good luck!!

Also: Go to Home Depot, Lowe's-whatever you have and buy one of those $5 water gauges. You may be over watering even though it doesn't seem like it. That gauge is the best thing I ever bought.