How to Maintain a Desert Rose Plant
The desert rose is a cactus plant of African origin that develops bright pink or red flowers. The desert rose has a large pear-shaped trunk with small clusters of leaves that develop these vivid flowers. These cacti are best suited for container growing and indoor environments, although those in tropical or temperate areas can leave them outside. When the leaves have dropped and the plant is bare, the trunk has a gnarled sculptural appearance that some collectors quite enjoy. The desert rose should grow well as long as it has adequate light, food and water, with the last two given in moderation. Once you learn to tell when it needs more food and water and how to replant your desert rose when it's outgrown its pot, you have all the things your plant needs for a healthy life. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Fluorescent or halide light (optional)
- Cactus potting soil
- Sand
- Cactus food
- Pot
Instructions
-
-
1
Place your desert rose in a sunny location, ideally near a sunny window. If you live in a temperate climate you can keep your desert rose outside in a partly shady area, although you will want to move the plant indoors if heavy rain is forecast. If you do not have a sunny area to keep your plant, you can purchase a fluorescent or metal halide light bulb to provide artificial sunlight.
-
2
Water periodically when the soil is dry, checking the soil consistency by sticking a pencil into the soil. If soil particles cling to the pencil, the soil isn't dry enough and you should wait a few more days.
-
-
3
Mix cactus food per the instructions on the package and add to soil. Note when the next feeding is required, usually several months later.
-
4
When the roots are reaching to the bottom of the container, it's time to replant your desert rose. Mix cactus potting soil with sand in a 1:1 ratio. Then fill your new clay pot about halfway with this mixture.
-
5
Invert your pot and pull the desert rose out, then comb the roots loose with your fingers so they are not tangled. Place this in the middle of the new pot, then mound the sand and potting soil mix on the top and sides until the new pot is full. Water the plant thoroughly and return it to its sunny location.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
For best results, use a clay pot for your desert rose. Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom or the roots are likely to rot.
