When buying a new desert rose, experienced growers always give it a squeeze, and fellow plant lovers exclaim they've learned something new
How should a desert rose bought online be handled? Or how should one care for those bought from major flower markets? Today I'll explain.
Because they need long-distance shipping, bare-root seedlings bought online usually arrive with their leaves pruned down to almost nothing. At this point we can squeeze its lower swollen base with our hands. If it feels soft, that means there is a problem. If the base is hard, then there is not much of a problem, and you can confidently pot it up.
The flower pot should be a shallow one with good breathability, mainly to benefit root absorption. The potting soil should be a loose, breathable, well-draining sandy loam; the principle for mixing soil is loose and breathable. A mix of coconut coir and perlite is recommended. The coconut coir can be replaced with peat moss, and the perlite can be replaced with other granules, such as river sand, volcanic rock, clay pebbles, and so on. Just mix according to the materials you have on hand, however is convenient, as long as it is loose and breathable. If it is a mature plant shipped in its original pot and soil, then it is best to first let it acclimatize for several days until it has fully adapted to the surrounding environment, and only repot it once new leaves appear.
Desert roses like a hot, dry environment with plenty of sunlight, and are afraid of excessive moisture. Do not water too much each time, otherwise it easily causes root rot and leggy branches. Many people cannot get watering right; as soon as they see the surface potting soil dry out, they water immediately, which easily waterlogs the desert rose to death. If you really cannot get it right yourself, you can insert a thin wooden stick into the potting soil and pull it out to check before watering. If the bottom of the stick is dry, then water. At the same time, frequently squeeze the swollen base of the desert rose. Once you find it has become soft, it is very likely that there is too much water, and you should start controlling watering.
In winter, the desert rose enters its dormant period. At this time, reduce the frequency of watering, keep the soil dry, and at the same time pay attention to ventilation and warmth to prevent cold damage. In addition, during the vigorous growth period in summer, supplement with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once a month on average, which can make it grow faster, with more lush branches and leaves and brighter flower colors. At the same time, it is best to repot the desert rose once a year. When repotting, appropriately apply some slow-release base fertilizer, such as decomposed soybean cake, bone meal, and so on.