A rustic trunk, idiosyncratic branches, a bizarre root system and exotic funnel flowers - the desert rose impresses with its unique appearance. Is it necessary to cut the plant to preserve it?
When and how should you prune a desert rose?
The desert rose should ideally be cut between February and March or after the first flowering in July. Use a sharp tool to cut back shoots halfway above an outward-facing bud. Wear gloves to protect yourself from the toxic latex.
When is the perfect timing for a pruning?
The desert rose should ideally be cut after overwintering and shortly before new growth. This is the case between February and March. At this time the plant is not yet in full sap and tolerates cutting best. Alternatively, you can cut the desert rose after the first flowering. This time usually comes around July.
Exact procedure for cutting – tips
The desert rose can be easily shortened with a sharp tool (€14.00 on Amazon). The shoots can be cut back by half. It is important that you place the cutting tool approximately 3 to 5 mm above an outward-facing bud.
In general, the desert rose tolerates cutting very well. It can even cope with a strong pruning. It also sprouts again from old wood. Nevertheless: Due to its slow growth, it is better to cut this plant only a little.
Wear gloves for protection
Be sure to wear good gloves when cutting! This is recommended because of the poisonous milky sap contained in the plant. Otherwise, the milky juice can cause skin irritation.
Cutting – rarely required
Basically, it will rarely be necessary to cut the desert rose. As a rule, it grows extremely slowly. You should therefore be happy about a strong increase. Pruning is only necessary if the plant is out of shape or has become too large.
Cutting desert roses for cuttings
It also makes sense to use scissors to obtain cuttings during propagation:
- Use head cuttings
- cut in early spring
- Length: 10 cm
- with at least 2 pairs of leaves
- Let dry for 1 to 2 days
- then put it in potting soil
- keep slightly moist
- keep warm (e.g. over the heater)
Tip
If you have recently repotted your desert rose, you should wait at least 4 weeks between repotting and pruning.
