Growing Roses Indoors: 5 Care Tips for Long-Lasting Blooms

Growing Roses Indoors: 5 Care Tips for Long-Lasting Blooms

Growing roses indoors is an excellent way to beautify your home and enjoy their blooms year-round. It doesn’t come without its challenges, but with the proper light, soil and care routines – you can surround yourself with the beauty of roses even in the coldest months of the year.

Choosing the Right Indoor Rose Variety

Under the right conditions, there are many types of roses that can be grown indoors. Consider your skill level, amount of space and available light in your home before selecting the perfect one. 

Full-Size vs. Miniature Roses

Miniature roses are the most popular variety to grow indoors. Their compact size makes them easy to place in homes with limited space – as long as they receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.

While not as practical as miniatures, full-size rose bushes are also possible to grow indoors. You just need to have ample space to accommodate them and the ability to recreate their desired conditions.

Climbing Roses in Containers

Planting a climbing rose indoors is typically more challenging than other varieties. But if you have a home with high ceilings and enough space to put a post or trellis, it’s entirely possible to do so. Like with any other rose type, you must be able to provide 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to allow it to flourish.

Pot & Soil Requirements

To successfully grow a rose indoors, you’ll need to replicate outdoor soil conditions and provide it with the nutrients that it usually gets from the earth. That’s why using the right potting soil inside the right type of pot is essential for healthy growth and beautiful blooms.

Container Selection

Drainage is the most important factor to consider when choosing a perfect container for your rose. Make sure there’s at least one hole at the bottom so that your roses don’t suffer from soggy roots.

When choosing the right container size, consider the type of rose you want to plant:

  • Miniature roses: At least 6-8 inches in diameter. 

  • Full-size roses: At least 15-20 inches in diameter and 2 feet deep.

Generally – the taller the pot, the deeper the roots can grow. Bigger pots also keep the soil temperature regulated and aid in moisture retention.

Potting Mix & Amendments

Whether grown indoors or outdoors, roses require a high-quality, nutrient-rich potting mix. Amend the mix with organic matter such as:

  • Compost: Aids in water retention

  • Well-rotted manure: Delivers nutrients to the soil

  • Perlite or peat moss: Speeds up drainage

Light, Temperature & Humidity

Proper light, temperature, and humidity levels are essential for any rose to flourish. To successfully grow roses indoors, you may need to make minor adjustments in your home to create their desired conditions. 

Light Needs

Roses need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you have a south or west-facing window, this is the perfect location to place your rose. Use a grow light if your home doesn’t receive enough natural sunlight.

Temperature Range

Roses do best in environments with stable, non-fluctuating temperatures. Aim to maintain around 70F during the day and in the 60sF at night. Avoid placing them in drafty areas – such as near windows or directly in front of radiators and vents.

Humidity Management

Roses prefer climates with moderate humidity – around 40-60%. To measure the humidity level in your home, you can purchase a hygrometer at your local garden center or hardware store. If it’s too low or too high, you can make adjustments to help create a suitable environment for your roses.

For homes with dry air:

  • Use a pebble tray: Place a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water beneath your rose pot. The water will evaporate and raise the humidity around your rose.

       Or

  • Use a humidifier: Place in an elevated spot a few feet away from your rose to allow even circulation.

For homes with moist air:

  • Use a dehumidifier: Place in an elevated area to effectively capture moisture. Ensure there is at least 6-12 inches of space around the dehumidifier to allow adequate airflow. All doors and windows should be closed in the room where it’s operating.

    Or

  • Improve ventilation: Open windows to let in fresh air. Or use a low-horsepower fan to create a light breeze around your roses, NOT directly at them.

Watering & Feeding

To enjoy continuous blooms on your indoor roses, you’ll need to keep them properly watered and fed – just as you would outdoors. Pay close attention to them, and they’ll tell you what they need.

Watering Frequency

Roses in containers tend to dry out faster than ones planted in the ground. Watering frequency can range from daily to every few days – depending on the conditions of your home. 

Avoiding Overwatering

Ensure the soil stays consistently moist, but not soaked. Do a quick daily test by sticking your fingers in the soil to determine your roses’ watering needs. If it’s dry, it’s time to get out the watering can.

Fertilizing Schedule

Roses have a large appetite – especially when grown in containers. Add a balanced liquid fertilizer to your indoor roses every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Granular fertilizer can burn the roots – especially on young roses.

Pruning & Maintenance

Care for your indoor roses just as you would outdoors by performing common tasks to promote healthy growth. 

Deadheading & Light Pruning

Removing faded blooms on your indoor roses will keep energy flowing in the right direction – towards producing new and improved ones. Give it a light pruning after the first flowering to promote vigorous growth.

Managing Height & Shape

A light pruning not only encourages healthy growth, but ensures your indoor rose continues to fit properly in your space. Thin out any crowded canes in the center of the rose and cut above an outward-facing bud to achieve a desirable shape.

Pest Inspection

Roses are attractive to pesky critters that feed on their buds and foliage. Regularly inspect all parts of the plant to catch them before they multiply. Different pests may require different pest control methods.  

Common Challenges in Indoor Rose Care

Growing roses indoors often requires additional maintenance in order to create a favorable environment where they can thrive. Look out for these three signs that your roses are in need of a little extra love.

Yellowing Leaves & Drop

Over/underwatering or insufficient sunlight can cause the leaves to prematurely wilt and fall off. Regularly check the soil moisture and assess the sunlight levels in the area your roses are located.

Pests & Diseases

The spread of fungal infections and pests often occur in humid environments. Frequently inspect the buds and foliage of your rose and treat promptly. Consider using a dehumidifier or fan to lower the humidity levels in your home.

Stunted Growth

Insufficient sunlight, improper watering or lack of nutrients can prevent your roses from blooming to their full potential. 

Seasonal Considerations & Relocation

As the year goes on and climatic conditions change, there are a few steps you’ll want to take to keep your roses healthy and happy.

Rotation & Sunlight

Growing roses indoors comes with the challenge of limited sun exposure. Regularly rotate your roses so that all sides of the plant receive adequate sunlight. This will ensure even growth and prevent them from leaning to one side.

Moving Outdoors

If you choose to move your roses outdoors in the springtime, introduce them to their new environment gradually to avoid stress. Place them in a shaded area for a few days before exposing them to full sunlight.

Conclusion

With adequate sunlight, nutrients and moisture, growing thriving indoor roses is entirely possible. Pay close attention to their needs, and they’ll produce beautiful blooms all year round. 

Ready to try your hand at growing roses indoors? Visit April & Ashley to explore our premium rose bushes that will brighten up your living space any time of year.

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