What to Do When Roses Don't Bloom
As the leading plant among the three treasures of the courtyard, roses often face the dilemma of only growing leaves and not blooming due to improper care. This article focuses on the four typical symptoms of non-blooming roses, combining professional horticultural experience to systematically analyze key aspects such as environmental control, nutrient management, and pruning techniques to help you restore the rose's beautiful appearance.
One: Water Management Strategies
1.1 Water Control to Promote Flowering
Implementing progressive water control during the rose bud formation stage by reducing soil moisture content to about 60% can activate the plant's stress response mechanism. It is recommended to use the finger joint test method: insert the second joint of the index finger into the potting soil, and if there is no moisture sensation at the front, you can add water.
1.2 Precision Irrigation Plan
Use early morning drip irrigation, water thoroughly once and wait for the matrix to completely dry before the next watering. Using a layer of ceramsite mulch can effectively reduce water evaporation by up to 30%.
Two: Light Optimization System
2.1 Light Cycle Regulation
Roses require 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is recommended to set a south-east facing 45° angle supplementary light, which can maintain a LUX value ≥ 10,000 during the plum rain season. Avoid noon strong light burns, and when using shading nets, ensure a light transmission rate > 70%.
2.2 Spectral Ratio Plan
Supplementing blue-violet light (400-450nm) promotes anthocyanin synthesis, and red light (650-680nm) enhances photosynthetic efficiency. LED supplementary lights should be turned on for 4 hours a day, with a distance of 50cm from the plant being optimal.
Three: Plant Shaping Techniques
3.1 Scientific Pruning Principles
Follow the principle of "three cuts and three retainings": cut the weak and retain the strong, cut the inside and retain the outside, cut the dense and retain the sparse. Main branches should retain 3-5 full buds, and lateral branches should be cut at a 30° angle to ensure minimal wound area.
3.2 Flower Bud Management Points
Thin out the flower buds early, following the standard of "3 buds on old branches and 1 bud on new branches." Combined with the application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (concentration 0.2%), it can increase flower diameter by 15%-20%.
Four: Disease and Pest Defense System
4.1 Biological Control Plan
Introduce ladybirds (Coccinella septempunctata) to control aphids, releasing them at a ratio of 1:100. Combined with spraying neem extract (concentration 0.3%), it can reduce the incidence of red spider mites by 80%.
4.2 Chemical Control Taboo
Strictly prohibit the use of organic phosphorus pesticides such as dimethoate and dichlorvos. It is recommended to use matrine (diluted 1500 times) and spray it weekly for three consecutive weeks to completely eradicate powdery mildew. After applying the pesticide, it is necessary to apply humic acid fertilizer to repair the soil microecology.
By implementing precise control of light, water, and fertilizer, establishing a comprehensive disease and pest control system, and combining scientific plant management, the blooming rate of roses can be increased to over 90%. It is recommended to conduct EC value testing monthly, maintaining soil salt concentration within the range of 1.2-1.8mS/cm, allowing your roses to continue blooming with captivating charm.