Ask-a-Dave's-Gardener: operation save the rose, 2 by wayward_brizzy

wayward_brizzy wrote:
I recently recieve a miniature rose bush about a week and a half ago from my mom. She bought it at a grocery store hoping i could revive it and brighten the dorm up a bit. At first i thought it only had black spot and a minor aphid problem, but after clearing out the dead leaves and trimming much of the foliage off due to infection i saw the soil top was covered in white dried up weblike stuff. I assume either mold and or mites (i have confirmed the mites little red ones >:( scurrying at the base of plant). I removed the top layer along with the web as it made the top so hard it wouldnt absorb water. And then i found tiny (1/8in to 1/4in long) round white worms in the soil.

Is there any way to save the little bush? Im a really poor college student so buying a bunch of stuff isnt a option for me unless its really cheap. I have sprayed some bleach free soap and water 1 drop for a 5ounce spray bottle on the leaves and soil (i know i shouldnt but im limited on options here and something must be done) and plan to rinse it here shortly. Im not new to gardening, and have grown roses before with no problems but this little bush needs some help fast. Its currently in quarantine in the soft bright light in the bath sadly.

Fuller foliage pic is of when i first got it. I had already trimmed the black spot damage off.
Less foliage pic is current condition. This is when i discovered the web like stuff today.

This message was edited Feb 24, 2015 1:51 PM