How to prune Desert Rose?

Desert rose is known for its gorgeous flowers and strong flowering ability, and proper care can make it bloom all year round. However, some flower lovers may encounter such problems during the maintenance process: one of the branches of the plant is abnormally slender, with only a few flowers blooming at the top, the branches are sparse, and the flowers are scarce, affecting the overall beauty. In this case, many flower lovers will choose to prune the branches, but if the pruning method is improper, it may cause the growth of the plant to be hindered and the number of flowers to be reduced. So how do you prune Desert Rose?

1. The best time to prune

It is best to prune Desert Rose during its growing season, i.e. spring, summer and autumn. As long as the ambient temperature is maintained above 20 degrees Celsius, the plant's side bud growth and flowering abilities are very strong. If the temperature is below 20 degrees Celsius, the growth of the plant will slow down and the recovery of wounds after pruning will also slow down, affecting the health of the plant.

2. Pruning environment selection

When pruning, make sure the plant is in an environment with sufficient light and good ventilation. This helps the wound dry quickly and reduces the risk of rot.

3. Specific operations of pruning

When pruning, observe the branches from the main trunk upwards and keep at least two to four bud points, which are the locations where the leaves originally grew. Use sharp scissors or a knife to trim, making sure the cuts are even. After pruning, disinfect the tools with alcohol, wipe off the white juice flowing out of the incision with a paper towel, and then apply fungicides such as carbendazim on the wound to promote wound healing.

4. Management after pruning

Once pruning is complete, make sure the plant receives adequate water and nutrients to support rapid recovery and growth. It is best to prune when the surface of the potting soil is dry to reduce water flow from the wound. After the wound heals, you can apply an appropriate amount of fertilizer with high nitrogen content to promote the growth of new shoots.

5. Measures to promote flowering

When the new shoots have two to four leaves, switch to fertilizers such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate to promote flowering. At the same time, make sure the plant gets enough light, because insufficient light will cause the branches to grow too long and affect flowering.

In short, the pruning of desert roses needs to be carried out at the right time and environment, and combined with appropriate management measures to ensure the healthy growth of the plants and the luxuriant flowers.