What You Need to Know About the Desert Rose

The desert rose belongs to the category of succulent plants, which are very easy to care for and have thick, glossy leaves.

It is native to Africa and Arabia but can be grown anywhere as long as it has enough light and heat. Predatory flowers are usually a combination of white and pink and grow in small groups, being very frequent.

Find out more about the desert rose!

How to take care of the desert rose

First of all, the choice of the pot is always important when you decide to grow a plant. The desert rose needs to be watered frequently, but it can't stand to stay in the wet ground, so the water doesn't have to puddle.

Therefore, it would be ideal for him to have a ceramic or clay pot, based on the drain holes. For proper drainage, the soil should be mixed with gravel or sand.

After the plant grows, you may need to move it to another pot, and the perfect time for this operation is in the middle of spring. If it is too cold outside, the plant may suffer. Before removing it from the ground, allow it to dry completely, then thoroughly clean the roots of mud and remove the rotten or dead ones.

The basic needs of the desert rose

Here are the essentials to keep in mind if you want your desert rose to grow harmoniously:

• natural light: the desert rose can be kept directly in the sun, so it is an ideal plant to keep on the window. Tip: for the plant to grow straight, you need to rotate the pot once every two to three days, especially for young plants;
• temperature: it is not a plant that can withstand low temperatures, because it comes from very hot areas of the globe. The rose should be kept at least 25 degrees Celsius; if it stands above 30 degrees, it will keep its leaves during the winter.
• soil: it must be well-drained and the ideal pH is 6 (slightly acidic);
• humidity: due to modern heating systems, the water in the atmosphere evaporates quickly, and this plant does not do very well in these conditions. In winter, it is advisable to put the pot with the desert rose in a pot based on a thin layer of water. Alternatively, you can buy a humidifier.

Succulents are much less demanding than others when it comes to watering. The desert rose should not be watered daily. To figure out when he needs water, stick your finger in the ground about 3–4 inches.

If it is dry, the plant should be watered. The pot should be placed on a plate to drain the water. After each watering, it must be emptied. In winter, the desert rose should be watered only once a week.

If you go on holiday, don't worry: this plant can last a long time without water, the biggest problem being, in fact, excess watering. When the plant is in a puddle of water, its roots can rot, just like bonsai.

How to prune and fertilize the desert rose

Before fertilizing any plant, make sure you use the recommended amount for pot size.

The desert rose should be fed with soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the spring. Then, when summer comes and the plant grows more slowly, apply a controlled-release palm fertilizer.

Then, after two months, at the beginning of autumn, apply the same fertilizer again. Thus, your rose will have the most beautiful flowers.

Essential for the harmonious development of the desert rose is its regular pruning and the removal of all dry leaves and flowers. Spring is the right time to give the plant a new shape, especially if you want it to be as rich in leaves and flowers as possible.

The desert rose is an ideal houseplant, but can also be planted in the garden if it is warm outside. In addition, it is said to be a plant that brings prosperity to your home, so it is worth buying one too!