How to care for a desert rose bonsai
This article introduces the experience of caring for a desert rose bonsai and its cultivation in the aspect of green plant care. Please refer to the detailed introduction below.
How to care for a desert rose?
The desert rose, also known as Adenium, is actually quite different from the rose. It is a succulent plant belonging to the oleander family. It has a large caudex, and even if the leaves fall off, as long as this large caudex remains intact, it can bloom into a profusion of flowers. Therefore, caring for a desert rose is relatively simple.
The original habitat of the desert rose is in the tropical Gobi desert, where it is arid and rainfall is scarce, with intense sunlight. The plant can store a lot of water and nutrients in its caudex, making it highly drought-resistant. When planted in the ground, it can withstand full sun exposure all day, but caring for a potted desert rose requires more effort.
First, use a sandy loam soil that is loose and well-draining.
Since its roots are relatively thick and do not have strong penetration ability, the soil needs to be especially loose and well-draining, without积水. You can mix half river sand with half decomposed leaf soil, or use nutrient-rich soil mixed with some granular soil. As long as the soil is loose and well-draining, half of the success in caring for a desert rose is achieved.
How to care for a desert rose bonsai
Second, ensure adequate lighting.
The original environment of the desert rose has very intense sunlight, so when caring for a desert rose, you should mimic its native environment and provide it with plenty of sunlight. Insufficient lighting can cause the top angles to grow excessively, resulting in few or no flowers.
Third, water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry.
Since the caudex of the desert rose can store a lot of water, it won't die even if the potting soil is completely dry. It can survive without water for one or two months, so do not water it excessively. If it absorbs too much water, its roots can easily rot. It's best to water when the potting soil is completely dry or when the caudex starts to feel slightly soft.
Fourth, fertilize.
The desert rose can produce a profusion of flowers on its caudex, which is often referred to as "blooms on the elephant's leg." The blooming period of the desert rose is particularly long, from May to November. During this period, it is essential to supplement it with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, such as "Flower Abundance No. 2," or multi-element fertilizers with a focus on phosphorus and potassium. This ensures that while the plant is growing and blooming, it does not lack other nutrients.