What to Do if the Belly of a Desert Rose Plant Becomes Soft
The Desert Rose is favored by succulent enthusiasts for its unique shape and drought-resistant characteristics, but it often experiences a swollen base and soft stem during the care process. This article offers a comprehensive solution to the problem of plant belly softening, from root care to environmental control, to help you quickly restore the plant's healthy state.
One: Pot Selection and Root Management
1. The Risk of Waterlogging Caused by Incorrect Pot Selection
The native environment of the Desert Rose dictates that its roots are drought-tolerant but not flood-tolerant. A pot that is too large can lead to accumulated water at the bottom that cannot be drained. When the depth of the pot exceeds twice the range of the root system, the rate of water evaporation is much slower than the root's absorption capacity, and a continuously moist environment will cause the base lignified tissue to soften and become diseased.
2. Techniques for Scientific Pot Selection
Choose a shallow陶 pot with a diameter 3-5 cm larger than the spread of the root system, preferably a red clay pot or a coarse clay pot. The bottom of the pot must have a 3 cm thick layer of clay pellets for drainage, and the container should have at least 5 drainage holes to ensure complete drainage within 24 hours after watering.
Two: Substrate Ratio and Soil Improvement
1. Soil Compaction Hindering Root Respiration
The tendency of conventional garden soil to compact can hinder the Desert Rose's root respiration. When the soil porosity is less than 30%, the rate of oxygen exchange decreases, leading to metabolic abnormalities and causing the base tissue cell walls to break and soften.
2. Golden Soil Mixing Solution
Use a 6:3:1 ratio (akadama soil: volcanic rock: leaf mold soil), mixed with 5% rice husk charcoal to adjust the pH to 6.5-7.0. Every quarter, spread a 1 cm thick layer of maifanshi on the surface to prevent water冲击 and enhance breathability. Special note: Avoid using water-retaining media such as coconut husk.
Three: Precise Water Control and Care Rhythm
1. The Fatal Crisis of Overwatering
The softening of the water-storing stem of the Desert Rose is essentially a manifestation of cell osmotic pressure imbalance. When the environmental humidity is consistently >60% and the soil moisture content is >40%, the plant will activate a self-protection mechanism to break down stored tissue.
2. Intelligent Watering Strategy
In spring and autumn, use the "three-finger test": insert the index, middle, and ring fingers into the soil, and if the second knuckle is dry, water thoroughly. In winter, adjust according to the ambient temperature, and completely stop watering when below 15°C. Special technique: Slowly pour water along the edge of the pot to avoid directly冲刷 the base of the stem.
By systematically implementing pot optimization, substrate improvement, and scientific water control, along with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily, the Desert Rose stem hardness can usually be restored within 2-3 growth cycles. Regularly observe the color changes at the base; when it appears healthy and grayish-white with a firm and elastic touch, the plant is fully recovered. It is recommended to apply calcium and magnesium fertilizer once every six months to strengthen the cell walls and fundamentally prevent the recurrence of belly softening.