Why do the leaves of Desert Rose turn yellow and fall off?

Desert rose is favored by many gardening enthusiasts because of its unique flowers, and people grow it mainly to appreciate its beautiful flowers. However, many flower lovers have discovered that although the Desert Rose can bloom normally, its leaves tend to turn yellow or even fall off after the flowering period. Let’s learn why the leaves of Desert Rose turn yellow and fall off?

1. Water management

Although Desert Rose is drought-tolerant, it does not mean that it does not require water. Some flower lovers may not water the plants for a long time for fear of overwatering, which causes the plants to be severely dehydrated and the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. The correct approach is to wait until the soil in the pot is completely dry before watering it after one or two days when the soil is well-ventilated. You can also judge whether watering is needed by pinching the hardness of the trunk. If the trunk becomes soft, it means that the soil in the pot is dry and you should water it thoroughly.

2. Fertilization issues

Although the stems of the desert rose are thick and can store nutrients, it still requires sufficient nutrients for its growth and flowering. If you only use flower-promoting fertilizers such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate for a long time, it may lead to a lack of other nutrients, which in turn causes yellowing of the leaves. You should choose a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and balanced in other elements, and fertilize about twice a month to ensure healthy growth and flowering of the plants.

3. Temperature influence

Desert rose is a heat-loving plant, and the suitable temperature for its growth should be kept above 10 degrees Celsius. The temperature in the north is lower in winter. If the temperature continues to be below 10 degrees Celsius, the leaves of the desert rose will easily turn yellow and fall off. Therefore, when caring for it in winter, make sure the temperature is not lower than 10 degrees Celsius, preferably above 15 degrees Celsius to ensure its normal growth.

In addition to the above reasons, if excessive watering leads to poor soil permeability, desert roses may suffer from root rot. Once you notice that the tops of the leaves are turning black and curling, you should immediately remove the soil from the plants to check the root system and trim off rotten roots in time to prevent the entire plant from rotting.

In general, the maintenance of Desert Rose is not complicated. The key is to ensure the air permeability of the soil, use granular matter that accounts for about 70%, and the rest is nutrient-rich soil; place the plant in a place with sufficient light; adopt reasonable watering and fertilizing methods, and maintain a suitable temperature, the Desert Rose can bloom all year round.