How to Take Care of Rose Plants?

Roses may look fancy, but they are surprisingly easy to grow once you understand what they want. A little consistency and the right timing go a long way, and in return, roses give you months of colour, fragrance, and statement blooms.

Sunlight 

Roses thrive in sunlight and need six to eight hours of direct sun every day. This is non-negotiable. The more sun they get, the stronger the stems, the healthier the leaves, and the better the blooms. 

Best Placement:

• South or east-facing garden beds
• Open areas away from tree shade
• Balconies with maximum sun exposure
• Avoid deep shade completely

Water

Roses prefer deep watering that reaches their roots rather than frequent light sprinkling. During summer, water daily or every other day. In winter, watering every three to four days is enough. Always water early in the morning and focus on the base of the plant. Wet leaves invite fungal problems, so keep the foliage dry whenever possible.

Soil

Roses thrive in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 (slightly acidic to neutral). Loamy soil enriched with organic matter gives excellent results and supports healthy root development. For potted roses, mix regular potting soil with perlite or vermiculite (20-30%) for better drainage and aeration.

Ideal Soil Mix:

• 40% garden soil or loam
• 30% well-rotted cow manure or compost
• 20% cocopeat (moisture retention)
• 10% perlite or coarse sand (drainage)

Soil pH Adjustment:

• Too acidic (below 6.0): Add agricultural lime
• Too alkaline (above 7.0): Add sulphur or organic compost

Fertiliser

Roses bloom best when fed regularly. Apply compost or a balanced fertiliser every three to four weeks during the growing season. Organic options like vermicompost or cow manure work beautifully and keep plants strong without stress.

Pruning

Pruning helps roses stay productive year after year. Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches in late winter, around February or March. Keep the centre open for sunlight and airflow. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage fresh blooms.

Planting Guide: Getting Started Right

In India, rose plants should be planted between November and March. This timing gives them ample time to develop strong root systems before the harsh summer heat arrives.

How to Plant

1. Dig the Hole: Make it twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
   
2. Amend Soil: Mix excavated soil with compost (50:50 ratio).
   
3. Position Plant: Place so that the graft union (swollen area on the stem) is 2 inches above the soil level.
   
4. Backfill: Fill the hole with amended soil, pressing gently to remove air pockets.
   
5. Water Thoroughly: Give deep watering immediately after planting.
   
6. Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base (keep away from the stem).

Why Choose Urvann to Buy Rose Plants Online?

✅ Healthy, Strong Saplings – Each rose plant arrives with robust roots, disease-free stems, and often with buds ready to bloom
✅ Widest Selection – From classic Hybrid Teas to rare English roses, from climbing varieties to compact miniatures
✅ Budget-Friendly Pricing – Roses under ₹99, premium varieties under ₹599, something for every budget
✅ Already Potted – Plants arrive in soil, reducing transplant shock and ensuring quick establishment
✅ Free Next-Day Delivery – Fresh plants delivered quickly to your doorstep across India
✅ 30-Day Plant Guarantee – Complete satisfaction or free replacement
✅ Expert Support – Real gardening experts available on WhatsApp and email
✅ Eco-Friendly Packaging – Sustainable materials that protect plants during transit

Join 50,000+ gardeners who trust Urvann for healthy rose plants and decades of beautiful blooms. Shop all rose plants now!

FAQs About Rose Plants

1. What is the best time to plant rose plants in India?

November to March is the rose planting season across most of India. The weather is cooler, the soil is kinder, and roots get time to settle before summer arrives. Hill stations can stretch planting into April. Avoid May and June because the heat is brutal, and skip heavy monsoon months too since soggy soil invites root rot.

2. Can rose plants grow successfully in pots and containers?

Yes, roses do very well in pots if you give them space. Choose containers at least 15 to 18 inches deep with proper drainage holes. Roses in pots need more frequent watering and feeding because nutrients wash out faster. Think of container roses as slightly more high-maintenance but totally worth it.

3. How to control pests on rose plants naturally?

Healthy roses attract fewer pests. Keep plants airy and sunlit. Spray neem oil every two weeks to manage aphids, mites, and thrips. If aphids appear suddenly, a strong water spray usually knocks them off. Remove badly infested leaves right away. Planting garlic, marigolds, or basil nearby also helps keep pests confused and away.

4. What is the best soil for growing rose plants?

Roses love loose, well-draining loamy soil with lots of organic matter. Slightly acidic to neutral soil works best. Mix garden soil with compost or well-rotted manure for ground planting. For pots, add perlite or vermiculite for drainage and vermicompost for nutrition. 

5. Which rose variety is easiest for beginners to grow?

Desi Indian roses and floribunda roses are beginner-friendly champions. They tolerate heat, minor neglect, and still bloom generously. They are disease resistant and far more forgiving than hybrid teas or English roses. Start here and build confidence before experimenting.

6. How long does it take for rose plants to start blooming after planting?

Most potted rose plants start blooming within four to eight weeks if planted in the right season. Some may bloom even sooner if buds are already present. Younger plants and bare-root roses take longer. Once established, roses bloom in cycles, with peak flowering from December to March in most parts of India.

7. Can you grow roses from cuttings at home?

Yes, roses can be grown from cuttings with decent success. Take healthy semi-hardwood cuttings about six to eight inches long after a bloom cycle. Plant them in well-draining soil or cocopeat, keep moisture steady, and provide bright indirect light. Roots usually develop in four to eight weeks. October to November and February to March are the best times.

8. Why are rose leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves usually point to watering issues. Overwatering and poor drainage are the most common causes. Nutrient deficiency can also cause yellowing, especially a lack of nitrogen. Check for pests like spider mites and fungal diseases like black spot. Older bottom leaves dropping naturally is normal, so do not panic unless yellowing spreads rapidly.

9. How to protect roses from the harsh Indian summer heat?

Summer protection is all about shade and moisture. Provide afternoon shade, mulch heavily around the base, and water deeply every morning. Avoid fertilising during peak heat as it stresses plants. Heat-tolerant varieties like desi and floribunda roses handle summer much better than delicate types.

10. Are rose plants safe for pets and children?

Roses are non-toxic, so they are safe around pets and children. The real issue is thorns, not poisoning. Thorns can cause cuts, so keep kids away from thorny varieties and always wear gloves while handling roses.

11. Can you keep roses indoors in pots?

No. Roses need full outdoor sunlight and good airflow. Indoor light and humidity levels are not enough for roses to survive long-term. Grow roses outdoors on balconies, terraces, or in gardens instead.

12. How to make roses more fragrant?

Fragrance depends mostly on the variety. English roses, desi roses, and old garden roses are naturally fragrant. Full sun, regular watering, and balanced feeding help enhance fragrance. Pick flowers early in the morning when the scent is strongest.

13. Why are roses not blooming even though the plant looks healthy?

This usually means not enough sunlight, too much nitrogen fertiliser, or improper pruning. Roses need six to eight hours of sun and regular feeding with bloom-focused fertiliser. Young plants may simply need time. Check sunlight first because that is the most common reason.