28.07.2024

How to grow Desert Rose and its careBasic Care:

By Lesia

Maintain humidity: It is essential for the leaves to be lush and the roots strong.
Monthly cleaning: Pour enough water on the roots once a month to rinse them and remove residues of old fertilizer. Soak the orchid in a water bath for 30 minutes.
Organic Beet Fertilizer:
Ingredients:
o 1 beet (30 g)
o Water
Procedure:

Cut the beet into slices and put it in the blender with a liter of water.
Mix well and filter through a coarse strainer.
Soak a cotton swab in the beet juice and clean the orchid leaves on both sides.
Pour the juice into a spray bottle and spray the orchid.
Dry the leaves with a cloth.
Pour the fertilizer onto the roots once a month, placing a bowl underneath to collect excess liquid.
Rice Water Fertilizer:

Put the rice in a bowl and cover with water. Mix and wash well.
Filter through a coarse strainer.
Soak a cotton swab in the rice water and wipe the orchid leaves, removing germs and insects.
Spray the leaves with the rice water using a spray bottle.
Place the orchid in a bowl and pour the rice water over the roots. Let it soak for an hour.
Drain off excess water, dry and repeat fertilization every 14 days.

Note: You can freeze the rice water to always have fertilizer available. Thaw and wait for the water to reach room temperature before using.
Expected Results:
After 2-3 weeks, the leaves will be greener and new roots will grow.
The orchid will bloom profusely.
Good luck!
4th
Desert Rose Characteristics:
Scientific Name: Adenium obesum
Height: Up to 2 meters in the ground, less in a pot; ideal for bonsai.
Foliage: Elongated, medium green, hardy; deciduous.
Climate: Subtropical to tropical, arid; tolerates cold nights.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy soil.
Position: Sunny, open location; light shade from midday sun.
Flowering: Individual rose-like flowers in a variety of colors and combinations.
Feeding: Long-term controlled-release fertilizer, used sparingly.
Watering: Water in hot, dry conditions; good drainage is essential. Do not water during dormant period.
Appearance and Characteristics:
Caudex: Swollen trunk that stores moisture, similar to a belly.
Leaves: Small and medium green.
Flowers: Similar to those of the oleander, with five petals around a central yellow “eye”. Colors from pink to deep red, with variations and combinations. Average flower size: 5 cm.
How to Grow the Desert Rose:
From seeds: Can be complicated due to the variability of the seedlings.
From cuttings: To obtain plants true to the original type.
Planting in the Garden:

Sunny Position: Light midday shade in tropical and arid areas.
Level of Caudex: Base of caudex at ground level or slightly above.
Soil: Well drained with gravel, but tolerates richer soil.
Fertilization: Controlled release fertilizer during soil preparation.
Potting:
Terracotta or Porous Clay Pot: Drains well and dries quickly.
Pebble or Clay Ball Base: Improves drainage.
Potting Mix: Use high quality cactus and succulent mix.
Plant Placement: Base of caudex on top or slightly above the mix.
Initial Protection: Place in a sheltered location for a week before exposing to sun.
Light Midday Shade: Minimizes leaf scorch.
Growing as Bonsai:
Shallow Bonsai Pot: Proportional to the size of the plant, with sufficient drainage holes.
Root Trimming: So that the base of the caudex is above the rim of the pot.
Pot Filling: With premium bonsai mix.
Watering and Settling: Water well to settle the mix.
Top Trimming: Begins the shaping process.
Initial Protection: Protected location for a few weeks before gradually exposing to the sun.
Light Midday Shade: If possible.
Desert Rose Care:

Regular Watering: Especially during hot, dry times.
Water Soluble or Liquid Fertilizer: In spring and summer to encourage flowering.
Annual Fertilization: Controlled release fertilizer around plants in the garden and pots, used sparingly.
Desert Rose Pruning:
In the Garden: Light pruning in the dry season to maintain shape and prevent infection.
Bonsai: Trim tips every few months, taking into account flower placement.
Diseases and Pests:
Common Pests: Aphids and mealybugs