Prolonging gift plants....mini roses, Easter lilies?

[bellc]

My daughter received a miniature rose and I received an Easter lily from my husband for Easter, bought at a local grocery. I removed all foil packaging and have been caring for them as required.

Is there any way to keep them healthy and thriving indoors even after the blooms have dropped? Unfortunately I live in a difficult climate in Scottsdale, Arizona, so planting outside may well not be an option.

Is it inevitable that the Easter lily and the mini rose be thrown away at the end of the season? My houseplant books seem to indicate they may be one-bloom only plants unless I'm able to plant outdoors. With our 110degrees summers, this is usually not an option!

Any hope for these plants? Thanks

[Orchid_lady]

Hi bellc, I have about 3 mini roses growing outside in pots. Your rose wont die if you leave it outside since it is a full sun plan. If you water it give it rose food. I moved my mini's to the backyard since they get more sun this way. Before that they were not growing properly. Now they have lots of little flowers. Heres a (bad) picture of where I am growing them temporarily. In the summer I will move them in front of the house.

[bellc]

Thanks for your reply. Right now the weather is very pleasant in Scottsdale, Arizona, but our summers regularly reach daily temperature of 110. Do you think it will survive even in less than direct sun during summer in this type of climate?

Also, the buds are beautiful, but I've noticed some continual yellowing of hte leaves, particularly on one side of the plant. I haven't needed to water it since it was given to me on Easter because the soil is so very wet. Could overwatering be a cause for the yellowing of the leaves?

[Orchid_lady]

Im pretty sure it will survive. If it gets that hot, give the plant some water, because they will dry out faster. A few yellow leaves is nothing to worry about unless you want to spray the leaves with disease control. I pull the yellow leaves out, new ones always grow back.

[bellc]

Thanks for your help!

The Easter lily bulb can't be forced again. It can be planted in the garden. However, it may need a cooling in the fall in order to bloom again. If you put it in the refrigerator for about eight to ten weeks or so then take it out and plant it, it might do something for you.