Rosa acicularis aka Prickly Rose

Taxonomy

Rosa acicularis, also known as the prickly wild rose, bristly rose, or Arctic rose, is a flowering plant in the Rosaceae family. This deciduous shrub can grow up to 3 meters tall and has pinnate leaves with three to seven ovate leaflets that have serrated margins. The plant produces pink (sometimes white) flowers that are 3.5 to 5 centimeters in diameter, and red, pear-shaped to ovoid hips that are 10 to 15 millimeters in diameter. With a Holarctic distribution in northern regions of Asia, Europe, and North America, the Arctic rose is a super rare houseplant that requires regular watering and well-draining soil. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be positioned less than a foot from a window. If repotted each time it doubles in size, the plant should not require added fertilizers.

Common names

Prickly Rose, Prickly Wild Rose, Bristly Rose

How to care for Prickly Rose

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Prickly Rose is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Prickly Rose should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Prickly Rose loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Prickly Rose prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Prickly Rose plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Prickly Rose. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Prickly Rose is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Prickly Rose’s native range is Asia, Europe, North America, and northwestern Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia