How to prune a desert rose? Illustrated guide to four common pruning methods

To maximize the ornamental value among the benefits and uses of the desert rose, pruning is indispensable in addition to mastering the correct growing methods. Its advantages are that it both prevents leggy growth and promotes flowering, so how do you prune a desert rose? Let's look at the desert rose pruning method illustrations.

How to prune a desert rose

I. When to prune a desert rose

There are two times that are most suitable for pruning a desert rose, namely April and October, because April is about to enter the vigorous growth period, while October is after the flowering period, and the impact on the growth of the desert rose is the smallest.

II. Pruning methods for the desert rose

1. Pinching

Pinching is usually done at the seedling stage, that is, when the young plant's height reaches about 10 cm. How do you prune a desert rose when pinching? Simply remove the upper growing tip, which can promote branching.

2. Thinning

In the desert rose pruning method illustrations, once the branches have grown to a certain number, keep 3-5 robustly growing branches among the main branches, ensuring the main branches are in different directions and have a certain three-dimensional effect. The remaining branches can all be cut off, which avoids branches growing too densely.

3. Heading back

After the main branches have grown to a certain height, they need to be headed back. At this point, how do you prune a desert rose? The method is to choose the height portion to keep according to the requirements for the mature plant, and cut off the rest. Heading back applies not only to the main branches but also to the side branches.

4. Removing dead and diseased leaves

During the growth process, sudden environmental changes or improper methods will inevitably cause some leaves to wither and turn yellow. At this time, the dead leaves should be cut off. Also, when pests and diseases occur, the diseased leaves should be cut off early to prevent the disease from spreading to other branches and leaves, while also carrying out chemical control.

Precautions for pruning a desert rose

1. The cut should be smooth

When pruning, the cut should remain smooth, and the tool used should preferably be a relatively sharp knife. Do not use a blunt tool, which would cause too many wounds on the stem.

2. The pruning position should be moderate

The position of the cut should be moderate, following the principle of not harming the growth of the main branch, so the cut should generally be kept at a distance of more than 1 cm from the node, to avoid injuring the node during pruning and causing blocked nutrient transport.

Desert rose pruning method illustrations

How to prune a desert rose

Why does a desert rose need pruning

The pruning work for a desert rose is very important. If you do not pay attention to pruning it regularly, it can easily lose its ornamental value. After the flowering period is the best time to prune a desert rose, and you can make choices according to personal preference. Proper shaping and pruning can ensure the desert rose's plant form is more graceful and its ornamental value is stronger.

How to prune a desert rose

To make the tree shape more graceful, the young desert rose should have its terminal bud removed when the plant height is about 10 cm, to encourage the desert rose to branch. After the branches grow out, keep 3-5 branches as main branches. The main branches should be selected in different directions and should have a certain three-dimensional effect. All other branches should be removed. When the main branches grow to a certain height, they need to be headed back, and the height kept is determined according to the specifications required for the formed plant.

From the branches growing on the main branches, select 3-4 branches respectively as main side branches. The method of keeping and heading them back is the same as that used for the main branches. After that, on the basis of the main side branches, use the same method to cultivate side branches level by level, and after about 4 more rounds of heading back, the branching will meet the requirements.

If you want to graft other excellent varieties onto the desert rose plant, you can do so on the main branches after heading back. After the grafted branches survive, shape them according to the above method.

An introduction to the pruning methods for the desert rose, and an introduction to its grafting methods

Pruning methods

Proper shaping and pruning can make the desert rose's plant form more graceful and its ornamental value stronger. To cultivate a graceful tree shape, the young desert rose should have its terminal bud removed when the plant height is about 10 cm, to encourage branching. After the branches grow out, keep 3-5 branches as main branches. These main branches should be distributed in different directions and should have a certain three-dimensional effect in the spatial framework. All other branches should be removed. When the main branches grow to a certain height, head them back, and the height kept is determined according to the specifications required for the designed formed plant.
From the branches growing on these main branches, select 3-4 branches each as main side branches. The method of keeping and heading them back is the same as that used for the main branches. Then, on the basis of the main side branches, use the same method to cultivate side branches level by level, and after about 4 more rounds of heading back, the branching will meet the requirements.
If you want to graft other excellent varieties onto the plant, you can do so on the main branches after heading back. After the grafted branches survive, shape them according to the above method.

Grafting methods

The grafting method generally uses the cut grafting method. During the care of the formed plant, side branches that affect its overall shaping effect should be cut off in time, to keep the plant's tree shape perfect and reduce nutrient consumption. Pruning should be carried out when the weather is clear and fine, to help the wound heal in time.

1. Grafting environment

Desert rose grafting is mostly carried out in spring and autumn. In other seasons, it can also be grafted if the temperature is suitable, but the temperature during grafting should be higher than 20°C. In addition, the plum rain season and the dormant period should be avoided, to prevent grafting failure caused by excessive humidity and too low a temperature.

2. Grafting preparation

The scion for grafting is generally slightly thinner than the branch of the rootstock. For the grafting knife, choose a sharp blade, and disinfect it with 75% alcohol after each cut of the scion. The scion can be one with a terminal bud, or a middle branch section, generally 7-10 cm long. When grafting, the branch must be handled, because the cut end of the branch will exude sticky sap, which will affect the grafting result. Soak the lower end of the cut branch in clean water for a few minutes, and the amount of sticky sap will decrease. At this point, grafting can be carried out.

3. Grafting precautions

After grafting the desert rose, bind the joint with plastic tape, and the tape can be untied after 45-70 days. Do not untie it too late, to prevent constriction marks from appearing and affecting the plant's growth. After grafting, put a transparent plastic bag over it and place it in a shaded place for care. After about 7-10 days, the wound can heal. After new buds appear, untie the plastic bag, but when watering, be sure not to pour water on the joint, to avoid causing infection.

The above is my compiled summary of the pruning methods and grafting methods for the desert rose. I hope it can be helpful to the many flower enthusiasts, and please continue to follow Duorou Huapu to learn more about flower care knowledge.