Plants have a long history of being woven into human traditions, even when the meaning of those traditions has been lost over time. Evergreen trees, poinsettias, tulips, and roses are commonly used in these traditions to help us celebrate our lives.

If you have purchased or received miniature roses (Rosa chinensis minima) to celebrate yourself, a loved one, or a special holiday, this blog is for you. Potted roses are growing in popularity, so you may receive live roses instead of a bouquet of cut stems. These delicate but defensive flowers are particularly popular on Valentine’s Day.

A Symbol

Roses, especially red ones, are more than just a plant. They have long been considered a symbol of love and beauty. Cherished across cultures and generations, roses have maintained a timeless allure throughout history. In fact, in ancient Greece, roses were associated with the goddess of love. During the Victorian era, roses became a nearly permanent symbol of romantic love through ‘floriography’, or the language of flowers. In the 17th century, people used flowers to communicate meanings through flower type, color, and amount. Feelings and secret messages were expressed through flowers, like the original emojis, if you will. This representation transcends cultures and is now a widely accepted symbol worldwide, making roses one of the quintessential Valentine’s Day gifts.

Rose Care

The popularity of potted miniature roses is on the rise, leading more gardeners to incorporate these charming plants into their homes and landscapes. Roses enjoy full sun, moist soil, and moderate humidity when fully established. These small beauties will grow up to 24 inches tall, perfect for a small feature in a garden. If you’re selecting these roses from your local nursery or grocery store, look for a plant that has rich green leaves and blooming flowers with a few buds. Check the soil and underside of the leaves for pests and diseases. If white powder or small green bugs are present, consider selecting a different plant or purchasing from another location.

Water

While the plant is adjusting to new surroundings, it will benefit from more frequent waterings in the first two weeks. Overwatering will lead to root rot, since the plant will not receive enough oxygen. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet and waterlogged. Make sure the soil dries out between waterings. When the plant is more established, simply use your finger to measure the moisture. When the top 1 inch of soil feels dry while the soil deeper down retains some moisture, it is time to rewater. If the original pot doesn’t have drainage holes, I recommend replacing it (wait to do this until after the plant adjusts to its new surroundings) so the water can drain after watering. Choose a pot that’s roughly one to two times the size of the root ball and has drainage holes in the bottom.

Sunlight

If the plan is to keep the roses inside, place them by a bright window. If the plan is to transition them outside, start them by a window and increase from indirect light to full sun over time to allow for acclimation. The plant will need to develop the capability of handling full sun after being kept inside. These roses will thrive with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, requiring lots of light to produce bushy growth and blooms. Note that the plant will have a ‘leggier’ appearance and produce fewer blooms if it receives insufficient sunlight.

Temperature

Roses originated in Asia and are not accustomed to Florida’s extreme heat and humidity. Protect them from the extreme conditions in the summer. Miniature roses can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 5a-9b, and become easier to care for once they’re established.

Long term care

Select a fertilizer with micro-nutrients and fertilize according to the label to maintain growth. Remember to always follow the label to the letter. It is the law. It protects you, your family, your garden, and the environment from the harm of exposure to excess nutrients. Read more about fertilizers here. Prune these plants when they are dormant, in late winter or early spring, to encourage more growth. Never remove more than two-thirds of the plant. Learn more about pruning roses here.

While the deeply embedded meanings and floriography of plants have faded over the years, the symbols of these plants have persisted. If you’re hoping to display your love for another or for yourself this Valentine’s Day, opt for red roses! Selecting a plant instead of a bouquet will ensure beautiful blooms in the years to come.

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