Ivor did not come to me as a large, vigorous rose bush.
He began as nothing more than a small air layering rooted rose — delicate, with a fragile root system and many uncertainties ahead.
And truthfully… the first few months were not easy.
There were days when Ivor seemed to be merely “existing.”
Slow to grow. No strong new shoots. Quiet. Almost motionless.
In Singapore’s hot and humid climate, air layering rooted roses require significant time to establish their root systems. They do not rush. They gather strength silently beneath the soil before showing it above.
Yet that is precisely what makes them so special.
Unlike grafted roses that rely on the vigor of rootstock, an air layering rooted rose like Ivor grows entirely on its own roots. Every leaf, every basal shoot, every bloom reflects the pure identity of the variety itself — not borrowed strength, not dependence.
Then one day…
After consistent care — balanced nutrition, root support, pH monitoring, and proper pest and disease management — I saw what I had been waiting for:
A new basal shoot.
Strong. Decisive. Full of life.
That moment is why I love growing roses from air layering.
It teaches patience.
It teaches trust.
And it reminds us that roots matter more than immediate results.
Today, Ivor stands stronger, steadier, more confident —
not because he grew quickly,
but because he grew deeply.
🌿 Growing roses is not about instant blooms.
It is about nurturing the roots we cannot see.
And when the roots are ready — the flowers will come.
—
If you are growing an air layering rooted rose, do not give up too soon.
Give it time. Support the roots. Monitor soil pH. Feed gently but consistently.
One day, you will see that first strong shoot emerge —
and your heart will bloom alongside it. 🌹✨
