Some useful tips on how to take care of an air-layering rooted roses plant in Singapore
Step 1: (optional)
If the root system of the plant is small, it is recommended that you follow this optional step before proceeding to the next one. To do so, carefully remove the plastic covering from the plant and place it in a small container filled with sand. It is important to place the container in a location that receives some sunlight, but is protected from direct, intense sunlight. This can typically be achieved by placing the container in a shaded area.
Over the course of the next 3-4 days, it is necessary to water the plant regularly to ensure that the soil remains moist, but not overly saturated. In hot weather, it may be necessary to water the plant twice a day, while in normal weather once a day may suffice. On rainy or cloudy days, it may be necessary to water the plant every two days to prevent overwatering. It is important to avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
(Juliet Day 1, air-layering rooted rose)
(Juliet Day 1)
Step 2:
To start, gather a clean pot and fill it with a bottom layer of large pieces of charcoal or burnt earth soil. Next, create a top layer by mixing together potting soil (such as Plantaflor Soil) and burnt earth or soil in a ratio of 60% potting soil to 40% burnt earth or soil. You can also add a half teaspoon of neem powder or diatomaceous earth if you have it available.
Once the top layer is prepared, make a small hole in it and place an air layer rooting rose plant inside. Cover the plant with another layer of the mixed potting soil, being careful not to disturb the bottom of the air layer rooting rose. Secure the main trunk of the plant to a stick to keep it upright, and water the soil to moisturize it.
(Juliet Day 12)
To care for your pot, place it in a location that receives some sunlight, but avoid direct, hot sunlight. Water the plants when the top layer of soil begins to dry out, using nutrient-enriched water such as 2 liters of water mixed with 2 drops of Abs5 or N3M. Be mindful not to overwater the plants, as the root system is still developing and doesn't need a lot of water. At the same time, avoid underwatering the plants, as they are still sensitive.
As the plants grow, they will produce shoots and leaves. Once there are many shoots and leaves present, you can move on to step 3. The amount of time this takes will vary depending on the type of roses you are growing, with some taking as little as 10 days and others taking 15-25 days.
Step 3:
For the next two months, move the pot to a location that receives direct sunlight and water it using the nutrient-enriched water described above whenever the top layer of soil begins to dry out.
As the rose plant grows and produces more leaves, it will likely start to form new buds. If you wish to encourage the plant to bloom, you can allow the buds to develop. However, it is often recommended to cut off all of the buds at this time and wait a few weeks for the plant to produce a more aesthetically pleasing and abundant flower display.
(Another air-layering rose after 5-6 weeks)
After three months of growth, when the root system of the rose plant is well established, you can begin fertilizing it using a variety of products such as soya humic or banana humic mixed with water, NPK 15:15:15 mixed with water, or fish emulsion. To promote organic growth, you can also water the plant with a mixture of 2 liters of water and 2 teaspoons of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide (3%) once a week or every 10-15 days.
It is important to monitor the health of your rose plant, especially when it is still young, as there are various types of bacteria present in soil that can cause problems. If you notice dieback on small stems, you can cut off the affected areas and apply a garlic solution, hydrogen peroxide (3%), Bio Oligo, or wound gel to the cutting points to help the plant recover. To boost the plant's disease resistance, you can also use Nano silver spray.
(Blossoms from grown-up air-layering rose )
To learn more about growing roses from air layering and get additional tips and tricks, consider joining the SG Rose Corner community . This is a great resource for connecting with others who have experience successfully growing roses and can provide valuable insights and advice.
We hope that you will find the process of growing roses from air layering to be enjoyable and rewarding. Remember, while it may take some effort and attention, it is not a difficult task and simply requires your love and care.