How to prune desert roses and the key points of pruning branches and leaves

Desert Rose Pruning Time

Desert rose is usually pruned after the flowers wither. Since it blooms twice a year, in spring from April to May and autumn from September to October, the pruning time is around June and November. Timely pruning can control growth, preserve nutrients, promote flowering, and remove diseased branches in time to prevent the entire plant from becoming sick.

Desert Rose Pruning Method

1. Pruning during the growing season

During the growing period of Desert Rose, its top buds need to be pruned, which is commonly known as topping. The purpose of topping is to control the height of the plant. Usually, the top buds can be cut off when it is 10 cm high. Pruning during the growing period should not be too heavy, otherwise it will lead to nutrient loss and be detrimental to plant recovery.

2. Pruning during dormancy

The pruning of desert rose is mainly concentrated in the dormant period. At this time, the overly long branches should be appropriately shortened to make it look more beautiful. The side branches can be heavily pruned, but the main branches should be retained. The dense areas should be appropriately thinned out to avoid affecting the internal ventilation and light transmittance.

3. Pruning after flowering

The desert rose needs to be pruned after it fades. Since the remaining flowers will continue to consume the nutrients of the plant, they should be picked off as soon as possible. In addition, the weaker branches should be cut off to reduce the pressure on the plant to resume growth.

4. Diseased pruning

Desert rose also needs to be pruned when it becomes sick. If it is a disease such as leaf spot that harms the branches and leaves of the plant, the diseased branches and leaves need to be cut off and destroyed together. If it is root rot, the plant needs to be removed from the pot, the rotten roots need to be trimmed, and disinfected with solutions such as carbendazim.