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How to save my mini-rose?

Posted on November 18, 2002

Question:
Chuck,
I bought an indoor potted rose bush (tiny roses). About a week after bringing it home, the top of the soil was covered with furry grayish-white fungus. The leaves are now starting to turn yellow and fall off. How can I rescue this plant, and what is the best way to keep it from happening again?

Thanks,
Molly

Answer:
The fungus on the soil probably is not affecting your plant. These are usually attacking organic matter in the soil or a result of poor soils with bad drainage. Best solution is repotting into a good quality sterilized soil. As for the yellow leaves and leafdrop, it is probably due to powdery mildew. This is a very common and ongoing problem with mini-roses indoors. The plants must be sprayed on a regular basis with a fungicide to prevent this condition. Black spot disease and spider mites are also very common so a combination fungicide/insecticide is your best bet. We carry a number of varying products to use depending on your exact situation. The main thing to remember is that this must be a constant preventive spray program or you will keep contacting it over and over again. Good Luck, Chuck.

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