It is a steppe plant that, thanks to its water storage, shrugs off long dry periods. Both in its homeland in Africa and here in pots on the balcony, the terrace and in the living room, the desert rose looks quite impressive. Rustic on the one hand and delicate on the other
How do I properly care for a desert rose?
To care for the desert rose, you should water abundantly in spring and summer, fertilize every two weeks, offer cool winter storage and repot every 3-5 years. Pruning and adjusting watering behavior in winter months are also important.
What is essential when watering?
The desert rose needs to be supplied with plenty of water, especially in spring and summer. At this time she creates a supply of water in her tribe. In autumn and winter, a more economical water supply imitates the dry period that the plant needs.
Consider the following aspects:
- Let the substrate dry before the next watering
- never keep them wet for long (specimens with real roots in particular cannot tolerate waterlogging)
- Trunk is firm and plump: there is enough water
- Stem is soft and limp: plant is already drawing on its own reserves (lack of water)
How often and with what should you fertilize the desert rose?
Fertilize the desert rose from April and into September! The interval between fertilizer applications should be 2 weeks. Cactus fertilizer (€7.00 on Amazon) is well suited for fertilizing. You should be careful with flower fertilizer! Use such fertilizers more sparingly or dilute them heavily!
Why does the desert rose need overwintering?
In winter, the lighting conditions in this country are insufficient for the desert rose. Therefore you should keep them cooler. Cool overwintering causes the plant to enter a dormant phase. This is important so that the desert rose can bloom vigorously again in the coming season.
How do you handle the plant during its dry phase?
Winter time is dry season:
- water less from September
- cool from November
- well suited: partially shaded locations with temperatures between 10 and 15 °C
- stop fertilizing
- warmer and brighter from April
Does the desert rose need pruning?
Pruning is only necessary if your desert rose has become too big for you. Pruning can be done either between February and March or in July. The shoots can be cut back by half. Be sure to place 3 to 5 mm above an outward-facing bud!
How often and when does it need to be repotted?
Due to the slow growth of this plant, which is preferably cultivated in pots, repotting is rarely necessary. Repotting makes sense about every 3 to 5 years. Choose a vessel that is about 5 to 10 cm wider than the old one.
You should pay attention to this:
- repot in spring before new growth appears
- or repot after the first flowering in early summer
- cut off old, rotten root pieces with a knife
- do not water after repotting
- Wait at least 4 weeks before cutting
Tip
Don't worry if the desert rose loses some of its leaves in winter. This is a completely normal process.