Question
I found a dehydrated possibly dead plant next to the sink in my house. It was still green just shriveled and it wasn't droopy. the stems were still up and it had two dried up rosebuds. I cut the stems down to about two inches. I dumped one for sure dead twig in a bowl that happened to have water and it stayed there for a few days and sprouted leaves....but I replanted it and its looking like its headed to the dry shrively stage again...I'm soaking the other twigs with roots to see if that helps them...should I not do that? the stems are green but the roots are black. Is there a better way to help this plant? I want to try before throwing it away

Answer
You did the right thing by cutting the rose back to 2 inches but you may have to cut it back even more. Plants don't make strong roots in water as they become frail and die easily so pot them up too. Use a potting type soil mix and plant right away in a 12 inch wide pot. Keep the soil damp but not wet. Place the rose outside in a partially shaded spot but not in direct sunshine. Keep an eye on it and when it starts to make strong growth, give it some fish fertilizer in a liquid form. If you live in an apartment then place it on a window sill but not in full sunlight. Roses that have been sick respond well to a fish fertilizer but don't ask me why!