Indoor Potted Mini Rose Plant Leaves Turning Brown

Question

My indoor mini rose plant has started looking bad. When new leaves grow at the top of the longest green stem, they turn brown after only being open a day or so. I can still see new growth coming but it continues every time the leaves open. I have it in a bright place in my kitchen, so it seems light is ok. I have used Miracle grow plant spikes for food once a month. It is not over watered. The base of the plant going into the dirt is still green, so it appears healthy from that perspective. I have no idea why it won’t stay looking good. I am not a novice gardener but this puzzles me out. Please help!

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Answer 1

They need full sun if you can supply it near a window. I think it may be getting too much fertilizer and possibly too much water. When indoors, plants need less water than outdoors. Roses need a cold period in winter if you have a room that stays colder than the others. It's very hard to grow mini roses inside. If you can plant it outdoors, that would be ideal.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/keeping-a-mini-rose-houseplant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/miniature-roses-containers.htm

Answer 2

General reasons for leaf browning include: not enough water, environmental stress, root bound, spider mite infestation or nutrient deficiency. Roses perform better when they get more than 6 hours of direct sun. Although the location may appear bright, it may not be enough to sustain chlorophyll production at -for example- summer levels now so you may see foliage dropping for lack of enough sun. You should water it well and then allow the top few inches to dry out before watering again. During periods where there is no active growth, it is not necessary to fertilize. The plants may have winter injury if exposed outside to overnight temperatures near or below 40°F.

While miniature roses can survive temporarily indoors, long-term indoor life is not recommended. It is difficult for them to get sufficient sunlight, humidity, etc. A grow light may help; check with local stores.

Growing roses in Vermont: https://www.vpr.org/programs/2018-02-09/vermont-garden-journal-a-different-take-on-roses-for-valentines-day