What should I do if the thick branches of the rose plant are drooping?
Here are some green plant care tips for those concerned netizens who are wondering what to do when the thick branches of the rose plant droop. Let's delve into the details.
Yesterday, while arranging the hydrangeas, I noticed a rose plant in a decorative bag that had grown many new shoots, which were very vigorous. The shoots looked strong and full of vitality, and it's hopeful that next year's flower wall will be magnificent.
However, when the rose plant is in this state, there can be quite a few unexpected issues, such as aphids, or the sudden drooping of these new branches...
If you find that the new branches of the rose plant suddenly droop during your inspection, does it feel like a thunderclap on a clear day, a chilling feeling? It's so disappointing when a strong new branch that has grown so well, topped with buds about to bloom, suddenly droops and wilts. This reality is too cruel.
Why do rose plants suddenly droop?
There are two common reasons for the drooping of new rose branches, one is reversible, and the other requires cutting.
1. Lack of water causing the new branches to droop
The new branches of the rose plant are very tender. I remember, as a child, in spring, I used to pick wild rose shoots from the field to eat; they were sweet. Maybe you did the same too?
Such tender new branches need to consume a lot of water. If the potting soil is relatively dry, the new branches of the rose plant can droop due to lack of water. In this case, watering promptly will quickly restore the branches to an upright position.
Sometimes, even if the potting soil is still moist, the new branches of the rose plant may droop. This is often due to excessive sunlight, where the water consumption of the branches exceeds the absorption of the roots, causing a temporary lack of water. If your rose plant exhibits this phenomenon, it is recommended to move it to a shady area first, then spray water on the leaves to replenish moisture. When the potting soil is still damp, avoid watering and instead, spray more to replenish moisture.
This type of drooping caused by lack of water can be restored by taking timely measures, so there's no need to worry too much. However, the following situation is not so fortunate.
2. The oviposition of rose sawflies causing the tender branches to droop
Rose sawflies are insects that cause significant damage to rose plants. The sawflies choose to lay eggs in the strong tender branches of the rose plant. After the eggs hatch, the larvae eat the internal tissues of the tender branches, causing the branches to lack water and resulting in the drooping of the tender branches.
If the drooping of the rose plant's new branches is caused by the oviposition of sawflies, you need to cut off the part of the branch that is drooping along with a section of the normal branch. The branches damaged by sawflies initially look similar to those that are soft from lack of water. It's important to distinguish between them. The branches affected by sawflies often have holes left by oviposition and can have sunken parts like those in the picture above.
If it's not easy to distinguish at first, don't rush to cut. It's better to observe first. If the branches still cannot recover after replenishing water and show signs of drying, then it can be confirmed that it is the work of the rose sawfly. At this point, it's not too late to cut off the wilted branch.
There are no effective methods to prevent or control rose sawflies. The only thing you can do is to clean the garden thoroughly in winter and apply insecticides in early spring to reduce the number of sawflies. Complete elimination is quite challenging.
I hope this detailed introduction to what to do when the thick branches of the rose plant droop is helpful to you.