My potted rose is dropping leaves, flowers are drying and shriveling or buds are not forming at all. What should I do?
Most problems with roses relate to watering. Check your watering habits and follow the advice below. Dry and shriveling flowers and buds are likely a result of the plant drying out. This can be serious, so water immediately. If the plant has lost a lot of leaves, you may be best to cut it back to about 2 inches. If the cut reveals a green-white stalk, new growth should begin to appear in 5 – 6 days. Keep in mind that a plant with fewer leaves requires less water. Watering becomes a delicate balancing act at this point. Yellow leaves signal a problem with the root system which can be a result of either a too dry or too wet soil condition, or not enough light. If it lacks light, move the plant into an area with more light. During the recovery process you will need to water carefully. Watering should be done only once the soil begins to dry out. The best watering method at this point is to place the pot on a saucer and water from below, being careful not to wet the foilage. By placing the
