Growing bonsai roses is not an easy task, but this young man from Jiangsu Province, China, has persevered for nine years. His stunning results have left many in awe, exclaiming, “Absolutely gorgeous!”
The young gardener shared that grafting is the most common method to grow roses from old roots. Choosing the right rootstock is crucial for successful grafting.
He advised selecting vigorous, similarly-shaped rootstocks as they share similar characteristics, reducing the risk of adverse reactions during grafting. Once the rootstock is chosen, it needs to be cared for to increase its vitality.
The next step is bud grafting. “Take a robust rose branch, cut it diagonally, and drill a small hole in the rootstock. Insert the branch into the hole and secure it with tape or string,” he explained. “Creating a vacuum environment reduces bacteria growth and minimizes damage to the cut surfaces. Apply a small amount of gentian violet solution to disinfect the area.”
Post-graft care is essential. Place the grafted rose in a well-ventilated area with sufficient light. You can add organic fertilizer each time you water, but avoid overwatering. Do not move the grafted rose during this period.
After a month, if the rose’s cut has healed, increase its exposure to light. This will enhance photosynthesis, promoting nutrient transport within the branch and tree and improving the rose’s chances of survival.
Additionally, apply a small amount of diluted potassium fertilizer to promote the growth of branches and leaves, strengthening the rose’s root system.
The best time for rose grafting is in spring, from April to May, and autumn, from September to October. Choose a sunny day for grafting, avoiding rainy days. The success rate of grafting is highest in the afternoon.
To enhance the beauty of the grafted rose, lift the root system. Prior to this, nourish the roots as a well-developed root system will lead to better results and quicker shaping.
For optimal root development, plant the rose in airy, porous soil, such as a mixture of coarse and fine coconut husk, humus soil, pearl stone, garden soil, and organic fertilizer.
When lifting the roots, do so in spring or autumn when the rose is vigorously growing. Use a small spade or rake to gently dig and expose a portion of the root system.
Allow these roots to be exposed to the air and gradually adapt to the environment. As new buds and leaves emerge at the base, remove the old leaves, take the rose out of the pot, and replant it in a new container.
After repotting, scientific watering is necessary to promote healthy root development. Avoid overwatering or underwatering. In summer, wait for the surface soil to dry out completely before watering, and water in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent root rot.
When caring for bonsai roses, consider the following factors for optimal growth and abundant blooms:
- Soil: Roses thrive in airy, porous, well-drained soil. Use clean garden soil or a mixture of leaf mold, charcoal, and sheep manure if the soil quality is poor. For potted roses, use coconut husk, humus soil, pearl stone, and add microbial pellets to improve drainage and provide adequate nutrition.
– Light: Roses love sunlight, so place them in a sunny spot to ensure their well-being and abundant blooming.
– Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Water only when the soil feels dry. During hot summers, mist the roses to increase humidity. Reduce watering in winter.
– Fertilization: Roses are heavy feeders. In addition to using basal fertilizer when repotting, provide regular top dressing. Sprinkle a mixture of fertilizers on the soil surface monthly and apply a solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate one month before flowering to encourage blooming. Annually, after winter, bury organic fertilizers like fish gut fertilizer in the potting soil to ensure sufficient nutrition for the roses.
– Pruning: After each bloom, prune the roses timely to encourage the next flowering cycle. Also, prune in winter to maintain the tree’s shape and promote branch growth.
– Pest Control: Roses are susceptible to pests and diseases, so inspect them regularly and take preventive measures. Bury insecticides and fungicides in the potting soil monthly, and spray the roses with fungicides and insecticides to reduce pest and disease incidence.
