When is the best time to prune Desert Rose?

Desert Rose Overview

Desert rose prefers high temperature, dry and sunny environment and is not cold-resistant. It was originally distributed in Kenya and Tanzania in Africa. It is suitable for planting in sandy loam that is rich in calcium, loose, breathable and well-drained. It avoids waterlogging and the suitable growth temperature is 25-30 degrees.

Desert Rose Pruning Time

The time for pruning Desert Rose should be determined according to its growth time. There are two times each year that are most suitable for pruning. Generally speaking, Desert Rose will enter a vigorous growth period in May, so it should be pruned one month in advance, so that it will sprout more new branches in May.

Therefore, it is suitable to prune in April every year, which is also the peak growth season of Desert Rose. In October, after the flowering period, the branches and leaves that are not growing well and the branches that grow too vigorously should be properly pruned to reduce nutrient consumption, so that the Desert Rose can better survive the winter. Pruning at this time will have the least impact on the Desert Rose.

Desert Rose Pruning Method

Desert rose needs to be pinched during its seedling stage. When the plant grows to about 10 cm, it can be pinched. In fact, the pinching method is very simple. You only need to remove the leaves on the upper part of the plant, which can effectively promote branching.

When the Desert Rose grows more branches, it can be thinned out, leaving 3-5 strong branches on the main branches. Make sure the branches are in different positions to increase the overall sense of layering, and then cut off all the remaining branches, which can effectively avoid the branches being too dense.

When the desert rose grows to a certain height, it can be pruned back. The height to be retained should be selected according to the growth of the plant, and then the remaining parts should be cut off. Not only the main branches but also the side branches should be shortened. When pruning, sharp tools should be used to avoid using blunt tools. Pay attention to keeping the wound flat during pruning to facilitate wound recovery.

During the growth process of Desert Rose, sudden changes in the environment and improper maintenance methods may cause the leaves of Desert Rose to wither. If the leaves of Desert Rose in your home are withering, you must cut off the diseased and dead branches in time. Don't be reluctant to prune them. Only after they are all cleaned up can you effectively solve the problem of dead branches.

Precautions for pruning Desert Rose

First, when pruning the Desert Rose, you must know the specific limits. Don’t leave too much, otherwise the pruning will be meaningless. But you can’t cut the branches too short, as this will have a negative impact on its nutrient transfer.

Second, when it comes to pruning tools, sharper tools should be used so that smoother wounds can recover better. In addition, pruning tools must be disinfected before pruning to avoid wound infection with bacteria. After pruning, you cannot water it and expose it to the sun immediately. You need to wait until the wound recovers.