Cultivation and pruning of desert rose

Desert rose , also known as Tianbao flower, is a plant belonging to the Apocynaceae family. Its branches are upright, it is heat and drought resistant, and it has good flowering properties, so it is loved by many flower lovers. So how to grow Desert Rose? How to trim? Let’s learn more about it below.

1. Soil selection

Desert rose prefers sandy loam that is rich in calcium, loose, breathable and well-drained. Usually, the soil for aquaculture can be made of coarse sand, rice husk charcoal and peat soil, mixed in a ratio of 2:3:5.

2. Temperature and light management

Desert rose is light-loving and heat-resistant. It can still grow well even at a high temperature of 40°C. It should generally be placed in a place with sufficient light for maintenance. Although the summer is hot, the desert rose can withstand high temperatures and does not need shade. However, the temperature should be kept above 10℃ in winter to prevent frost damage.

3. Watering tips

Desert rose is a drought-tolerant plant and prefers a dry environment. When watering, avoid over-wetting the soil as this can cause root rot. It is recommended to wait for the soil to dry completely after each watering before watering again.

4. Reasonable fertilization

Desert rose can tolerate barrenness, but if you want its roots to become strong, you need to give it sufficient nutrients and fertilize it frequently. The frequency of fertilization is about once a month, applying thin liquid fertilizer, mainly nitrogen fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer, so that its roots and rhizomes can grow thicker.

5. Scientific pruning

The pruning of desert roses mainly takes place during the peak growing season in spring, with the focus on removing diseased, yellowed, and overcrowded branches to promote healthy growth and flower bud differentiation. Secondly, proper pruning can also be done in summer and autumn. When pruning, sharp tools should be used and the correct method should be followed to avoid harming the plants, and proper care should be given after pruning, including ventilation, watering, fertilizing, etc., to promote their good growth.

6. Pest and disease control

Common diseases of desert rose include leaf spot and root rot, which can be controlled by carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl and other pesticides; common insect pests include aphids and red spider mites, which can be controlled by imidacloprid, avermectin and other pesticides.

In general, as a type of succulent plant , desert rose is relatively easy to grow. As long as you master some maintenance and pruning techniques, you can ensure that the roots do not rot, the leaves do not turn yellow, and the flowers bloom profusely.