Spring is the best time to shop for roses, and there are many varieties of roses on the market, but how to pick a healthy, thriving rose is a learning curve. This article will provide you with a detailed shopping guide to help you pick the best roses in the flower market.
1. Check the root system
The first thing you need to pay attention to when picking a rose plant in the flower market is the root growth of the plant. Only roses with a strong root system will be able to adapt better to their new environment and thrive. As for the number of flowers, it is not the most important factor.
You can gently pick up the pot and observe if there are any roots sticking out of the drainage holes at the bottom. If you can see a visible root system, it means that the rose plant has a well-developed root system and is more likely to survive.
2. Check the stability of the plant
Besides observing the root system, checking the stability of the plant is also a way to assess the health of the root system. Some vendors may temporarily repot roses to increase the price, so it is important to make sure the plant is stable.
If the plant is wobbly and unstable, it may mean that it has been temporarily transplanted or has developed rotten roots. Such roses should be avoided.
3. Observe the foliage
Healthy foliage is an important indicator of a rose’s health status. When selecting them, not only should you look carefully at the leaf surface, but also turn over the back of the leaf. Roses are susceptible to pests such as red spider mites, which are usually too small to notice. If you notice tiny yellow spots on the leaves, you should turn over the back of the leaves and inspect them. If there are small black, red or white spots, the plant may be infected with red spider and it is advisable not to buy it.
Also look out for the condition of the heart leaves. If the new leaves appear deformed or curled, they may be infected with powdery mildew, in which case you should also avoid buying them.
4. Observe the condition of the branches
Choose potted roses with strong branches and full shapes, as these plants will bloom more neatly and are relatively easy to manage in the later stages. At the same time, you can choose plants with multiple buds, rather than plants with all the flowers open. Because the fully opened flowers will soon fade, the viewing time will be much shorter.
5. Observe the potting soil
In the flower market, many rose plants are cultivated in ordinary garden soil. However, plain garden soil has poor permeability and drainage, which can lead to suffocation or rotting of the root system when you buy it home. Although these types of potted plants are less expensive, if you want your roses to grow healthily for a long period of time, it is best to choose plants cultivated with specialized rose soil or flower growing soil.
If you end up choosing a potted plant cultivated in garden soil, remember to change the soil at the right time. It is not advisable to change the soil in hot weather, as it may cause the plant to wilt or even die.
With these five steps, you can easily pick a healthy, beautiful rose plant. Spring is a good time to plant roses, may your garden be more colorful because of roses!