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How to Grow Roses in the Tropics
How to Grow Roses in the Tropics. Life in the tropics is a bit different than life elsewhere on the planet. Lacking the traditional four seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter, in the tropics it is either dry season or rainy season. Yet not even the weather is consistent in the tropics, as there are snowy, alpine mountains as well as arid...
Life in the tropics is a bit different than life elsewhere on the planet. Lacking the traditional four seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter, in the tropics it is either dry season or rainy season. Yet not even the weather is consistent in the tropics, as there are snowy, alpine mountains as well as arid deserts. Growing roses in the tropics is therefore much like growing them in other regions.
Things You'll Need
Fertilizer
Compost
Fungicide
Provide lots of space around the rose if you live in an area with high humidity. Air circulation within and around the plant is critical to ward off fungal diseases. A good rule of thumb is to provide a 3-foot radius of vegetation-free space around each rosebush.
Water the rose appropriately for the season. Roses everywhere require 5 to 7 gallons of water per week. During the rainy season the rose may get more water than it needs, so be sure the soil has adequate drainage. Keep an eye on the moisture content during the dry season and provide water when the top 2 inches of soil is dry.
Fertilize your rose at the beginning of the rainy season with a 5-10-5 formula at the rate listed on the label. Apply the fertilizer to wet soil. Fertilize again at the end of the rainy season, again applying to wet soil. During the dry season, apply a 3-inch layer of compost to the soil around the base of the rose and cover it with a 3-inch layer of mulch. Don't allow the mulch to touch the rosebush and spread it out to the drip line.
Prune the tropical rose when you deadhead or cut flowers for other uses. Since there is no dormant period in the tropics, pruning is performed year-round. From the main cane, count outward two buds and make the cuts above that point, allowing the bud to remain on the plant. Cut off all dead flower stems--those that are smaller in diameter than your index finger and any that have died.
Inspect the rose periodically for common fungal diseases in the tropics. These include black spot, which is identified by dark patches on the leaves, followed by yellowing and, finally, the leaf falling off. Apply a fungicide labeled for the control of black spot at the rate suggested on the package.
