What Soil is Suitable for Roses
As one of the three treasures of the courtyard, the choice of soil for roses directly affects the quality of flowering. Many flower enthusiasts carefully cultivate them but achieve little effect, often due to problems in the basic soil preparation stage. This article will deeply analyze the scientific proportioning scheme for rose soil from three dimensions: acidity and alkalinity, breathability, and fertility.
Soil Acidity and Alkalinity Control
Ideal pH Range
The optimal pH value for the growth of roses is in the slightly acidic range of 5.6-6.2. When the soil is too alkaline, the absorption of iron is hindered, with typical symptoms being yellowing between the leaf veins. In the northern regions, you can use vinegar (diluted 1:1000 with water) to water the plants monthly, or bury sulfur powder (50 grams per square meter) for long-term regulation.
Substrate Improvement Scheme
Decayed leaf soil is a natural acidic amendment and is recommended to account for 30% of the total substrate. Pine needle soil and peat soil can be used as alternatives, but attention should be paid to the fact that peat soil has strong water retention and should be used with particle media.
Root Respiratory Protection
Porous Media Proportion
Perlite (20%), coarse river sand (15%), and vermiculite (10%) form the golden breathable layer. The particle diameter is recommended to be 3-5mm, which can prevent waterlogging and root rot while retaining necessary moisture. For ground-planted roses, crushed charcoal can be added to improve heavy clay soil.
Drainage System Optimization
A 5cm layer of ceramic stones should be placed at the bottom of the pot for drainage, combined with breathable containers like green mountain pots. During the rainy season, adding bamboo charcoal particles (5% by volume) can absorb excess moisture and prevent root rot disease.
Continuous Nutrient Supply
Base Fertilizer Configuration Scheme
Fermented sheep manure (10%), bone meal (5%), and cake fertilizer (3%)组成 a long-term nutrient reserve. Note that organic fertilizers must be fully decomposed, as raw fertilizers can cause root burn. Supplement with Ogreen 318s slow-release fertilizer every season to replenish trace elements.
Topdressing Time Nodes
In the germination stage, apply high-nitrogen fertilizer, switch to phosphorus-potassium fertilizer during the bud formation stage, and supplement balanced fertilizer after flowering. Combined with seaweed extract for root irrigation, it can enhance the efficiency of nutrient absorption.
The comprehensive soil mixing formula is recommended: 3 parts decayed leaf soil + 2 parts garden soil + 1 part perlite + 0.5 part organic fertilizer. Replace 1/3 of the old soil with new substrate every spring when repotting to maintain soil activity. Mastering these soil preparation essentials, combined with proper pruning, can achieve the goal of continuous flowering in rose cultivation.