How to care for desert rose in winter? Master these planting tips
Desert rose, the name sounds like a rose growing in the desert, but in fact its appearance bears no resemblance to a rose. Nor is it a rose that grows in desert regions. It is actually a succulent plant. It can also be called a succulent shrub or small tree. Its flowers look like small trumpets, red like red roses, and the color is very brilliant. It can bloom continuously throughout the year. But desert rose loves light and warmth, so how should this cold-sensitive desert rose get through the winter? The following are desert rose cultivation tips: winter cultivation methods for desert rose.
1. Light
The desert rose is native to East Africa to the southern Arabian Peninsula. So it likes to grow in high temperatures, arid climates and environments with plenty of sunlight. Desert rose is afraid of the cold, so in winter it is best to put it indoors, preferably behind a window where it can get sunlight, and keep it dry.
2. Watering
Desert rose is very drought-tolerant, so each time you water it you must not water too much. If you water too much, its roots will rot. And since winter temperatures are relatively low, watering should be controlled even more appropriately; watering once a week is enough. Also be careful to keep the potting soil dry, as this can promote the growth of the desert rose.
3. Soil
Because of its growing conditions, it also has certain requirements for soil quality. Sandy soil has good drainage, so it is the first choice. During its lush growth period, we can add some small gravel or river sand to its substrate, which helps with drainage. And a mixed soil of leaf mold and fertile, loose sand is the best.
4. Fertilizing
When fertilizing the desert rose, if it is at ordinary times, applying a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer once a month is enough. But in autumn and winter it enters a dormant period, when its growth is very slow, and it may even stop growing. So in autumn and winter there is no need to fertilize.
5. Pruning
Pruning the desert rose is also very important. If you do not pay attention to pruning it normally and let it grow freely, then it will very easily lose its own ornamental value. The best time for pruning is after the flowering period. Be sure to remember that the more branches it has, the more flowers it will produce. If you want it to produce more flowers, then you must find ways to keep more offshoots.