The best time to sow desert rose seeds is in the spring. Get a well-draining potting mix with perlite or use a sand and soil mix. You can pre-soak the seeds for several hours or up to a day to rehydrate them, then place one seed every two inches on the growing medium. Cover lightly with a thin layer of soil mixture.
Water well and store the plants in a warm place. Only water the soil when it starts to dry out. You can also mist the soil or water the container from below, but don’t let the soil become waterlogged. Once the plants have germinated, which usually happens within a week to 10 days, move the container to a sunny location.
Pot and replant a desert roseRepot the plant as needed, usually when the roots fill the container and the plant becomes root bound. This can be once a year or every two years.
If you don’t want your plant to grow much larger, you can keep it in its current container. Keeping a plant rooted slows its growth. The best time for replanting is during late winter or early spring, preferably as soon as new growth emerges.
When repotting a succulent, make sure the soil is completely dry before carefully removing the plant from the pot. Knock the old soil away from the roots, removing any rotten or dead roots in the process. If you make any cuts or notice bruises, you can topically apply an antifungal or antibacterial solution.
Place the plant in its new pot and fill with potting mix, spreading out the roots when replanting. Allow the plant to dry out for a week or so to reduce shock to the plant. After a week, water the plant but make sure the water drains well. Do not let the plant sit in standing water or moist soil.
WinteringDesert rose cannot withstand frost or prolonged cold. When temperatures reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant will drop its leaves and initiate its slow dormant phase. To keep your plant alive, bring the plant indoors, stop watering it, and place it somewhere it won’t freeze, like a garage or basement that stays above freezing. It won’t need care or light until spring. When the warmer temperatures return, water slowly, place it in a window with a sunny exposure and gradually reintroduce your plant to the outdoors.
How to make the desert rose bloomDesert rose will flower about seven to eight months after sowing, depending on the growing conditions. To encourage flowering, make sure your plant gets at least six hours of sunlight and fertilize at least once a month during the spring and summer. If your plant has recently been repotted, it may be putting its energy into developing new roots instead of flowers. Give it time to adjust to its new growing environment.
Common problems with Desert RoseDesert rose is a relatively disease- and pest-free plant. The biggest problem affecting this plant is overwatering. When growing conditions are not ideal for a plant, it reduces its natural defenses, and pests or diseases creep in.
Yellowing leaves or leaf dropsA common sign of root rot is yellowing leaves or sudden leaf loss. A fungus causes root rot. If caught early enough, you may be able to save the plant. You need to remove damaged leaves and stems and remove the root ball. If you notice any blackened, mushy roots, cut away the damaged roots with a sharp knife. Sterilize the knife between cuts. Apply a fungicide according to package instructions. Replant the remaining roots in a well-draining potting mix.
Spots on leavesMold leaves blister-like marks on the upper leaf surfaces. It can lead to stunted growth and a white powdery appearance to the leaves, stems and buds. This tends to spread more often during cool, damp nights and warm days. Mold does not like water. Mist the plant leaves and apply a fungicide, according to package directions. Prune when stems and branches pile up. Sufficient distance between the plants reduces the risk of powdery mildew.
Spots of lower leavesSpider mites are the most common pest to attack desert rose plants. They eat by sucking sap, mainly from the underside of the leaves. Leaf spots lead to complete discoloration and eventual leaf death. To detect spider mites, shake the infected foliage over a piece of white paper; spider mites look like little dots. You will also notice fine webbing and eggs on the underside of the leaves. To get rid of a small infestation, use a powerful water spray on the underside of all leaves. Repeat this every few days. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil for mite control. Make sure you apply it to the underside of the leaves and all lower surfaces of the plant.
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