Roses are a popular choice for gardeners due to their diverse range of cultivars, vibrant blooms, and fragrant scents. With the right care, roses can bloom all year round. To promote rapid, healthy growth and abundant flowers, try using the following liquids to water your rose plants.
Beer as a Rose Tonic
Beer can be used as a liquid fertilizer for roses.
Beer is packed with nutrients such as sucrose, maltose, and carbonic acid, which are beneficial for acid-loving plants like roses. Applying beer to the soil provides a boost of nutrients, encouraging stronger root growth, stimulating new shoots, and promoting more vibrant and abundant blooms.
However, when using beer as a fertilizer, avoid pouring it directly onto the roots. Instead, dilute the beer with water at a ratio of 1:20 before applying it to the soil to prevent root damage. Once a month is enough for beer fertilization.
Sea Water for Healthy Roses
Sea water is a great natural fertilizer for roses, containing high levels of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients promote the natural growth of roses and encourage more abundant flowering. You can either collect sea water directly or purchase organic seaweed fertilizer from garden stores.
Cabbage Water for Rose Nutrition
Cabbage water is an effective tonic for rose plants.
Cabbage is rich in minerals and nutrients vital for plant growth, including iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. These nutrients stimulate the growth of roses and promote more prolific flowering. Additionally, the slightly acidic nature of cabbage water suits acid-loving plants like roses perfectly.
Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Water for Roses
Gotu kola is a herb renowned for its high vitamin and mineral content, including vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. These nutrients are beneficial for the overall health of rose plants and promote larger, more frequent blooms. However, be cautious not to overwater with this tonic to prevent root rot.
Diluted White Vinegar for Rose Care
White vinegar, when diluted, can be used to water the soil around your rose plants. This solution helps enhance nutrient absorption while eliminating harmful bacteria. Mix white vinegar with water at a ratio of 1:50 before applying it to the soil. Once a week is the maximum frequency for this treatment to avoid overly acidifying the soil.
Rice Water for Rose Fertilization
Fermented rice water provides a nutrient boost for roses.
Rice water, when fermented, becomes a powerful source of nutrients for rose plants. Collect the water used to rinse rice and allow it to ferment for 10-15 days. Before using, dilute the fermented rice water with clean water and apply it to the roots. This tonic provides a range of nutrients that promote healthier, stronger growth and more abundant flowering. However, once a week is the maximum frequency for this treatment.
Fish Tank Water for Roses
Water from a fish tank is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium. When changing the water in your fish tank, collect the old water in a bucket and allow the solids to settle. Then, carefully decant the clear water from the top for use on your rose plants. Alternatively, you can test the water for amino and nitrate levels to ensure it won’t harm your plants, or dilute it with clean water to reduce the concentration of these chemicals.
