How to Identify and Correct Soil Deficiencies in Roses

Often what appears to be a disease may be a symptom of a nutritional deficiency. If you suspect dietary problems in your roses, send a soil sample to your Cooperative Extension Service or a private testing laboratory and request a pH and nutrient analysis. (The horticulture department at your state university should be able to put you in touch with both public and private labs.) When the results come back, they'll include instructions for incorporating whatever amendments your soil needs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the common soil deficiencies. Most notable are: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium and organic matter.

2. Understand the symptoms associated with the soil deficiencies. Often, stems are thinner than normal and leaves grow smaller. New growth is reduced. Foliage can turn yellow and dry to light brown. Slow growth might be followed by dark green foliage turning purplish and yellow between the veins. Lower leaves can turn yellow at the edges and spread toward the center. Older leaves develop chlorosis and often become puckered or curled.

3. Monitor their pH level. Roses welcome a broader pH level than many plants, with their ideal range falling between 5.5 and 7.0. Reaching a pH above or below means its lacking a key nutrient.

4. Depending on the symptom, adjust doses of the nutrient accordingly.

5. In some cases, uproot the plant and replace the soil entirely, starting from a blank slate, as it were.

6. Spray the root system and leaves with a misty water spray.