A rustic trunk, unconventional branches, a bizarre root system and exotic funnel-shaped flowers - the desert rose impresses with its unique appearance. Is it necessary to prune the plant to preserve this?

The desert rose tolerates pruning well

When is the timing perfect for a pruning?

Ideally, the desert rose should be cut after hibernation and just before the new shoots. This is between February and March. At this time, the plant is not yet in full juice and tolerates cutting best. Alternatively, you can cut the desert rose after the first bloom. This time usually comes around July.

Precise cutting procedure - Notes

The desert rose can easily be shortened with a sharp tool. The shoots can be cut back by half. It is important that you start with the pruning tool about 3 to 5 mm above an outward-facing bud.

In general, the desert rose is extremely well tolerated by pruning. It can even cope with a vigorous pruning. It will also sprout again from old wood. Nevertheless: Due to the 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. The milky juice can otherwise lead to skin irritation.

Cut - rarely required

In principle, 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. A cut is only necessary if the plant has lost its shape or has grown too large.

Cut desert rose for cuttings

It also makes sense to use scissors to get cuttings in the course of propagation:

  • Use head cuttings
  • cut in early spring
  • Length: 10cm
  • with at least 2 pairs of leaves
  • Leave to dry for 1 to 2 days
  • then stick in potting soil
  • keep slightly moist
  • keep warm (e.g. over the heater)

tips

If you have recently repotted your desert rose, you should wait at least 4 weeks between repotting and pruning.

Category:

Vegetable garden