How to prune and shape a desert rose? Detailed methods

Flowers & Gardening Jan 1, 1970 0 views

A desert rose needs pruning and shaping, otherwise it will keep growing wildly and lose its ornamental value. The pruning time is after the flowering period. First, remove the terminal buds to inhibit growth; second, remove the side branches to concentrate nutrients; then, prune the excess lateral buds on the main branches to make its shape more attractive; finally, cut off the diseased branches to prevent the plant from getting sick.

I. Pruning time

The time to prune and shape a desert rose is after the flowering period, because only then can you see which parts affect its appearance and need to be cut off.

II. Pruning methods

1. Remove the terminal buds

The purpose of removing the terminal buds is to inhibit its growth and make the branches grow evenly. If some branches are very long and some are very short, it looks unattractive, and if the terminal buds are not removed, the purpose of shaping is lost.

2. Remove side branches

If a desert rose has too many side branches, it easily leads to insufficient or unbalanced nutrients, so the excess side branches should be removed. The purpose is to concentrate nutrients and make the plant's growth more attractive.

3. Prune the main branches

Prune the excess lateral buds on the main branches, leaving only three or four lateral buds on the main branches. This is to enhance the shape of the main branches and make the desert rose's shape look better.

4. Prune diseased branches

This step is crucial: all diseased and residual branches on the desert rose must be removed to prevent pathogens from infecting healthy branches.

III. Precautions

For pruning tools, it is best to use a sterilized small blade, because using a blade makes the cut on the branch smoother than using pruning shears. If the cut is smooth, less water remains at the cut, which helps the plant recover. After pruning, do not water the plant immediately, because there is a cut, and watering right after pruning can easily cause infection. It is best to wait until the cut has dried and formed a scab before watering.