DESERT ROSE CARE

First and foremost don't believe the story that Desert Rose love not being watered and fed even less. It is true they can tolerate harsh arid conditions however fed regularly and watered weekly they will thrive and delight you with a constant supply of flowers.

If they are grown in pots add a little river sand to the potting mix so the soil does drain well but do water them at least weekly. They will thrive in harsh soil conditions as long as they don't get water logged. If your soil type is clay based dig some Gypsum into the soil prior to planting. Don't use Lime as Lime increases the soil ph. Desert Rose prefer a slightly acid soil (ph 6)

The key to successful Desert Rose growing is to let them dry out between watering rather than keeping their soil/potting mix constantly damp as you would for a normal plant. If you are growing them in pots don't use a saucer under the pot as this will stop the excess water from draining away.

Never plant them where they will sit in water for any length of time as they will develop root rot and perish. If your plant does show signs of rot around the base, give the plant and soil a drench made up of one tablespoon of Baking Soda in ten litres of water, it may take a couple of doses to halt the fungus.

Plant them where they will get plenty of sun to ensure they flower all year round.

Feed them at least monthly with a good quality organic based liquid fertiliser and apply a high potassium (one specifically for flowering plants) solid fertiliser once a year. They enjoy a side dressing of Sulphate of Potash a couple of times a year as well.

If they get a bit leggy and weak you can cut back selected branches to approx 100mm which inturn encourages new growth from closer to the main trunk.

They are easy to germinate from freshly picked seeds which are encased in long thin seed pods. Wait until the seed pod cracks before picking the pod to ensure the seed is mature and will germinate freely. If you have different colours close by there is no certainty that you will get a flower colour the same as the mother plant. It is best to hand pollinate and bag the flower to protect the seed from cross-pollination with different colours.

Generally, they are trouble free pest wise but can fall prey to scale, mealy bug and occasionally mites. If you need to, use Pyrethrum insecticide, it is a natural product and won't harm you or the environment. Don't use any oil based insecticides as they can burn the foliage.

A very rewarding plant that will flower all year round if given the right treatment.

Happy Days,

Barry.

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