Miniature rosebush

agreg521

I read that these have fairly shallow roots and should be watered often. So I water it every other day, sometimes daily since it's been so hot and dry here and my local greenhouse owner advised that I leave it outside.

My concern is that the trunk of it is turning brown. Is this normal, or am I doing something wrong, like overwatering? I can normally grow just about anything, but roses are going to be the death of me!

TIA

PattyandAlan

Not sure where you are located, but here in Western NY, we would suggest watering deeper less frequently.  Set the hose at the base of it and let it run slowly for about 10 minutes 2 times a week.  It should definitely be kept outside and planted in the ground...your local greenhouse owner is right there!

agreg521

I am in middle TN, and there has been a pretty intense drought on top of a bad heat wave. Mine is potted, I asked Greenhouse Lady if that would be alright and she said as long as I still exposed it to a cold spell this winter. So I have been using a watering can to wet the leaves and soak the soil, but not to the point of water standing. I do this every other day. I always check to see if the soil is dry to the touch, and if it is, that's when I water. Too much?

PattyandAlan

It is not good to get the foliage wet on most plants, especially roses.  Check the soil daily by sticking your finger into it.  If the soil is cool and moist, don't water it.  If it's warm/hot and dry soak it until water runs out the bottom of the pot and the soil throughout the pot is moist.

~NB~

Is it in a pot?

Do not get the foliage wet.

Do not water it if it doesn't need water. CHECK. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Pretty much same advice if it is in ground.

TootsieK

Back to the browning stem:  It could just be maturing.  New wood is often green and smooth; it gets browner and rougher as the plant grows.  As long as everything else looks healthy, you probably don't need to worry about it.

agreg521

Thanks everyone! You answered all my questions

It has been very dry every time I check it, which I'm assuming is due to the drought. We've been getting some rain lately, though, so I haven't watered it in the past few days.

And good to know about the leaves, maybe that's why my roses always die. Lol.

Thanks again!