How to Plant Desert Rose
This article introduces the experience related to the planting of desert roses, including their propagation and daily care methods. Let's move on to the introduction by our station editor.
How to plant a desert rose? I will answer from the following aspects.
First, get to know the desert rose briefly.
The desert rose is a very easy-to-grow flower that is drought-resistant, heat-resistant, shade-intolerant, and cannot be waterlogged for long periods. It blooms in summer and autumn, is a perennial plant, comes in single and double petals with many varieties and colors, and is very beautiful! Here are a couple of pictures for your appreciation.
Second, the propagation of desert rose.
1. Seed propagation is possible for desert roses. It is recommended to plant the seeds as soon as they are harvested for a higher survival rate. Also, the flowering period is in summer and autumn, so take advantage of the high temperatures and plant them quickly.
It is advisable to buy seedlings, as they save soil, time, and effort, are easy to manage, and easy to transplant. (Similar to the picture below, also available in 50-hole trays)
Seeding is simple: place the seedling tray on the balcony, cover it with fine sand or nutrient soil, water thoroughly, then place one seed per hole, followed by a thin layer of sand or nutrient soil, and then spray with water to moisten. Germination usually starts in a few days, seedlings are formed in half a month, and then apply a light fertilizer... When they reach about 10 centimeters, they can be transplanted to large pots. Note, keep them slightly moist and not waterlogged, as they will rot otherwise.
2. Cutting propagation In summer, on sunny days, cut branches from large desert rose trees, preferably the ends, about 10 centimeters long, then place them in a shaded and well-ventilated area to dry for one day. The next day, dip each cutting in rooting powder and plant them in moist sand, then move them to a sunny, well-ventilated area that is not exposed to rain. Roots should develop in about 20 days. After a month, apply fertilizer. Alternatively, you can girdle the branches of large desert roses, fill them with mud, wrap them in plastic film, and cut them when the roots are well developed for propagation.
3. Grafting propagation The grafting time is in spring or autumn. The rootstock can be oleander or other varieties of desert rose (if you do not want that variety or want several colors in one pot). Choose the terminal part of the branch of the desired variety for the scion. The specific grafting steps are not detailed here, as they are similar to those for ordinary grafting of flowering and fruit trees. (See the picture below of a double-petal desert rose that has been grafted and merged)
How to Plant Desert Rose
Third, daily care for desert rose.
1. Placement It is best to place the desert rose on a sunny balcony, where there is plenty of sunlight, high temperature, and no risk of rain. Actually, placing it on the rooftop is also fine, as it gets direct sunlight and loses water quickly, but be sure not to let the pot accumulate water, or it will rot! If the temperature drops below 10°, keep it warm and move it to a windowed area inside.
2. Watering Desert roses are full of moisture, except for the flowers and leaves. They can survive without water for a month! In summer, water twice a month, but only when the soil is dry. In the cold winter, no watering is needed as the plants are dormant and require less water. Moreover, the cold weather will make the water even colder, and desert roses are sensitive to cold.
3. Fertilizing After the desert rose has fully rooted, you can start fertilizing. Use less urea and more compound fertilizer (for faster growth), and increase the application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate before flowering (for more flowers). Fertilize twice a month, and do not fertilize in winter.
4. Transplanting The desert rose is similar to the lucky bamboo when digging up and changing soil. If the roots are damaged, trim them a bit and let the roots dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area for one or two days before planting.
Alright, with such a detailed answer, I hope it can be of some help to you. If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to follow me. I won't turn down an aspiring friend. Haha...
The above is a detailed explanation of how to plant desert roses, including their propagation and daily care methods. I hope this article can help you with your green plant management!