How to Grow and Care for Desert Rose

A desert rose is a succulent plant that produces gorgeous flowers in various colors. It is easy to grow and maintain if you provide the right conditions. The data from NC State University will share with you everything you need to know about growing and caring for a desert rose.[1]

Native area	Tropical Africa, Arabian peninsula
Bloom time	Summer
Plant type	Succulent
Soil type	Sandy, well-drained
Flower color	Pink, red, rose
Soil pH	Neutral to acidic
Sun Exposure	Full
Common name	Desert rose, Sabi star, mock azalea, impala lily
Family	Apocynaceae
Botanical name	Adenium obesum
Mature size	3–9 ft. tall, 3–5 ft. wide
Hardiness zones	11-12 (USDA)

A desert rose is a type of gypsum crystal that forms in arid environments, such as deserts or salt flats. The crystals grow in clusters that resemble the petals of a rose, hence the name. There are different types of desert roses, depending on the minerals and conditions involved in their formation. Some of the most common types are:

• Selenite desert rose: This type is composed of pure gypsum, which is a form of calcium sulfate. It has a white or translucent color and a silky luster. It is often found in sandy areas, where it forms from the evaporation of saline water.
• Baryte desert rose: This type is composed of baryte, which is a form of barium sulfate. It has a brown or yellow color and a vitreous luster. It is often found in clayey areas, where it forms from the precipitation of barium-rich fluids.
• Sand rose: This type is composed of sand grains that are cemented together by gypsum or baryte crystals. It has a sandy or earthy color and a dull luster. It is often found in dune areas, where it forms from the wind erosion of gypsum or baryte deposits.

• Step 1: Choose a suitable location. Desert roses prefer full sun and well-draining soil [2], so choose a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day and has soil that drains well.
• Step 2: Prepare the soil. Mix sand and perlite into the soil to improve drainage and aeration. If planting in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes.
• Step 3: Plant the desert rose. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant, and gently place the plant in the hole. Fill in the hole with soil and water well.

Desert roses are succulent plants that produce beautiful flowers in a variety of colors. They are native to Africa and Arabia, and they prefer warm and dry climates. They can be grown indoors or outdoors, but they require some special care to thrive. Some of the main aspects of desert rose care are:

Watering

Desert roses need to be watered regularly during the growing season [3], but they should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot and fungal diseases. In winter, when the plant is dormant, water sparingly or not at all.

Soil

Desert roses need well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal. You can also add some perlite, sand, or gravel to improve drainage. Avoid using soil that is too heavy or compacted, as it can suffocate the roots.

Light

Desert roses need bright and direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. They can tolerate some shade, but they will produce fewer flowers and more foliage. If you grow them indoors, place them near a sunny window or under artificial lights.

Temperature

Desert roses can tolerate high temperatures up to 40°C (104°F), but they are not frost-hardy. They should be protected from temperatures below 10°C (50°F), as they can suffer from cold damage. If you live in a cold climate, bring them indoors during winter or cover them with a frost cloth.

Fertilizer

Desert roses benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season, from spring to fall. Use a balanced fertilizer that is diluted to half-strength, and apply it every two weeks. Avoid fertilizing in winter, when the plant is dormant.

Use rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution to sanitize your pruning tools before trimming your desert rose plant. Re-sterilize as you go from one plant to the next. When fresh growth appears, remove cold-damaged growth right away. To proportionally balance the stem development, trim long, lanky stems. Cut slightly above a leaf node or where the stem connects another stem to remove branches that rub or cross other branches.

There are a few different ways to propagate a desert rose, but the most common method is by stem cuttings. To do this, simply take a 4- to 6-inch cutting from the stem of a healthy plant, making sure to include a few leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone, then plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, sunny location. New roots should form within a few weeks. Another way to propagate a desert rose is by seed. Seeds can be started indoors in the early spring. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings have grown a few sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots. Desert roses can also be propagated by division. To do this, carefully dig up a mature plant and divide it into several smaller plants. Each plant should have a healthy root system and a few leaves. Replant the divisions in individual pots and water them well.

To grow a desert rose from seed, you will need fresh seeds that have not been treated with any chemicals. You can buy them online or collect them from your own plant after it blooms. Here are the steps to grow a desert rose from seed:

• Sow the seeds in shallow trays filled with moist cactus mix.
• Cover the seeds lightly with more mix and keep the trays in a warm and bright place, but avoid direct sunlight.
• Water gently whenever the mix feels dry, but do not overwater.
• The seeds should germinate within a few weeks.
• When the seedlings have two sets of leaves, you can transplant them into individual pots.

Desert rose needs a well-draining potting mix that does not retain too much moisture. You can use a commercial cactus mix or make your own by mixing equal parts of perlite, sand, and peat moss. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the root ball of your plant and has drainage holes at the bottom. Fill the pot with some mix and place your plant in the center. Add more mix around the roots and press lightly to firm it. Leave some space between the soil surface and the rim of the pot for watering.

Desert rose blooms best when it receives plenty of light and warmth. Place your plant near a sunny window or under artificial lights for at least six hours a day. You can also move your plant outdoors during the summer, but acclimate it gradually to avoid sunburn. Desert rose also needs a period of dormancy in winter to trigger flowering. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing when the temperature drops below 60°F (15°C). Keep your plant in a cool and dry place until spring, when you can resume normal care.

Desert roses are generally very easy to care for, but there are a few problems that can occur. Here are some of the most common problems and how to solve them:

• Root rot: Desert roses are very drought-tolerant plants, but they can also be susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered. If you think your desert rose is suffering from root rot, you will need to repot it in a pot with fresh potting mix and water it less often.
• Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that can infest desert roses. They feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. To get rid of mealybugs, you can use a commercial insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Scale: Scale is another type of insect that can infest desert roses. Scales are small, brown or black insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. To get rid of scale, you can use a commercial insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Sunburn: Desert roses are very sun-loving plants, but they can also be susceptible to sunburn if they are exposed to too much direct sunlight. If you think your desert rose is suffering from sunburn, you will need to move it to a spot with more shade.
• Frost damage: Desert roses are not frost-tolerant plants, so they can be damaged if they are exposed to frost. If you live in an area where frost is common, you will need to protect your desert rose by bringing it indoors or covering it with a frost blanket.

Can desert roses be grown indoors?

Yes, desert roses can be grown indoors if provided with sufficient light and proper drainage. They do best in a south-facing window or under artificial grow lights.

Are desert roses poisonous?

Yes, all parts of the desert rose plant are toxic if ingested. Care should be taken to keep the plant away from pets and small children.

Can you propagate desert roses?

Yes, desert roses can be propagated from stem cuttings or from seeds. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer and allowed to dry out for a few days before being planted in well-draining soil. Seeds should be planted in the spring and kept warm and moist until they germinate.

How long do desert roses live?

Desert roses can live for many years with proper care. They typically bloom from late spring to early fall and may go dormant in the winter. Source: The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Desert Rose - NC State University
2. Well-draining soil - Green Horizons
3. Growing season - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency