How to Grow Desert Roses From Seeds
Desert roses are a type of succulent that originated in Africa. These plants feature a thick, swollen caudex, bright green leaves and under ideal conditions are capable of producing an abundance of ornate, colorful flowers. These flowers are most commonly pink or red, but they can also be yellow, white or purple. The popularity of desert roses as houseplants has led many plant breeders to hybridize the plant, which has produced an abundance of new and unique styles of flowers, including those with variegated petals. While most people buy desert roses as houseplants at their local garden center or via specialty mail order, it is actually quite easy to grow them yourself from seed. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Desert rose seeds
- Plastic seed starting flats with clear covers
- Potting mix enriched with fertilizer
- Plant labels and a permanent marker
Instructions
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Locate a source for desert rose seeds and purchase a variety that appeals to you. These may be available at your local garden center, especially if you live in a hot climate where growing them as outdoor plants is commonplace. If you are unable to find the seeds or would like a broader selection of varieties, the Internet can be an excellent resource for buying seeds. Ebay.com, for example, features several listings for Desert Rose seeds which range in price from less than one dollar to five dollars per package.
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Fill the seed trays with potting mix and gently press the seeds downward into the mix. Label the type of desert rose seeds you are germinating, especially if you are growing more than one variety. Cover the seeds and then water the entire tray lightly before placing the clear plastic cover on top of the tray.
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Place the newly planted seed flats in a warm and bright location. A sunny windowsill or sun room are ideal
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. Check on the seed flats daily and wipe away any condensation that accrues on top of the lid. Doing so helps to prevent excessive water buildup, which can lead to fungus problems, also known as "dampening off" once the seedlings emerge.
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Check the seed trays every day and keep the potting mix moist but not wet. The desert rose seedlings should begin to emerge within one to two weeks. Once they do, remove and discard the clear plastic seed flat cover.
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Check on your desert rose seedlings regularly and water sporadically once the soil has dried out completely. Desert roses have a high heat tolerance and can be grown outdoors in the summer but need to be kept indoors in colder climates once the temperature goes below 40 to 45 degrees. As the seedlings begin to outgrow the seed flat accommodations, transplant them into larger, individual plastic or clay pots and place them in a sunny location.
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