What month should you prune a desert rose? With a illustrated guide to pruning methods

The desert rose is a plant that neither looks like a rose nor grows in the desert. Its place of origin is Africa, and it is a flower variety that has been introduced and cultivated in China in recent years. Many people now like to grow it at home. However, when growing it, many people do not know how to prune it to ensure its growth. In fact, the pruning method is still very simple.

Pruning methods for the desert rose (illustrated)

1. In order to make the tree shape more graceful, the seedlings of the desert rose should have their terminal buds removed when the plant height is about 10 cm, to encourage the desert rose to branch.

2. After the branches grow out, keep 3-5 branches as the main branches. The main branches should be selected in different directions and should have a certain sense of three-dimensionality. All the remaining branches should be removed. When the main branches grow to a certain height, they need to be cut back. The height retained depends on the specifications required for the shaped plant.

3. From among the branches growing from the main branches, take 3-4 branches respectively as main lateral branches. The method of retaining and cutting them back is the same as that used for the main branches. After that, on the basis of the main lateral branches, use the same method to cultivate lateral branches level by level, then cut back about 4 times, and the branching will meet the requirements.

What month should you prune a desert rose

After the flowering period is the best time to prune a desert rose. The desert rose generally blooms in April and May each spring and in September and October at the turn of summer and autumn. It generally blooms twice a year. So pruning can be carried out after these months.

How to care for a desert rose after pruning

1. Watering. The desert rose likes a relatively dry environment, so it must not be watered too much. Long-term excessive watering will cause waterlogging in the pot soil, leading to root rot, and will also make the branches prone to leggy growth, destroying the original ornamental value. When watering, it should be done after comprehensive consideration based on different weather conditions and the growing medium and other factors. Generally, in spring and autumn, water about once every 3 days; in summer, water more, once every 1-2 days; in winter, water less, once a week is enough.

2. Fertilizing. During the growing period of the desert rose, apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and less nitrogen fertilizer, because nitrogen fertilizer can cause leggy growth of branches and leaves and inhibit the growth of the plant. When the plant enters the growth and reproduction period, mainly use phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and stop using nitrogen fertilizer. Generally, stop fertilizing during the flowering period. The desert rose flowers for a relatively long time, so it consumes a large amount of its own nutrients. Some quick-acting fertilizer can be appropriately supplemented, but the concentration should not be too high. During the vigorous growth period, fertilize once every 2-3 weeks, and stop fertilizing during the winter dormant period.

3. Light. The desert rose is suitable for growing in a warm environment with sufficient light. Generally, shading is not needed. The desert rose can be placed in a place with sufficient light for care. However, the summer light in the south is relatively strong, so pay attention to observing the leaves and take careful care, and appropriate shading can be provided.

What to do if the leaves of the desert rose turn yellow

1. Yellowing of leaves caused by environmental changes. Solution: We need to understand its growth habits in daily care, and provide reasonable care according to the condition to prevent it from happening.

2. Yellowing of leaves caused by excessive watering. Solution: Cut off the rotted roots, and pay attention to reasonable watering of the desert rose. The amount of water should not be too much. Water less; the desert rose is drought-tolerant, so it does not need too much water.

3. Yellowing of leaves caused by fertilizing at low temperatures. Solution: Maintain an appropriate temperature and a reasonable fertilizing amount. It should not be too much. It is best to place the desert rose in a greenhouse for cultivation.

4. Yellowing of leaves caused by poor ventilation. Solution: Place the potted desert rose in a ventilated indoor position, such as a balcony, windowsill, and other positions for growing it.

5. Yellowing of leaves caused by pests and diseases. Solution: If scale insects are found, promptly use a 2000-fold dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate to spray and control them.

When pruning a desert rose, be sure to pay attention to the choice of time. Generally, pruning is mostly chosen in spring. Care after pruning is also very important. Timely fertilizer, water, and light can all let it grow healthily; otherwise, it may cause the leaves to turn yellow.