Q&A for How to Plant Desert Rose Seeds

I use a snapping motion; both ends come off easily. Hold the seed between your thumb and finger and snap off the end with your other hand.

You need something that has good drainage - try using seedling starting mix.

It is better to remove the hairy ends. Just snap them off and plant as directed.

Allow the cut area to completely scab over, then place it in the dirt, water, and wait for roots to develop. Once roots develop, you can water more regularly.

The pods are just the containers for the seeds inside them. I have found that it takes about 6 months for the pods to mature on the plant before they dry out and start to split open with the mature seeds. So if you took the pods off too soon, the seeds won't be mature. You'll need to split the pods open to see if there are any seeds first, and if so, try to grow them!

Drought, pests, disease or too much or not enough sun. Try moving it as it may help. If not, you will have to investigate for insects, plant diseases or other possible causes.

Yes, but I would mix in some sand for sure. It is essential for good drainage.

You can plant the seedlings in the ground but the success rate is low.

I would suggest a Q-Tip; insert it in one flower and then the next one, repeating with others.

You need to water them and give them plenty of sunshine. But it will take about 3-4 weeks of water and sunshine, then you'll see them develop or at least starting to develop.

Its best to wait about a week for roots to acclimate and heal, if damaged. Water making sure you use fast draining soil, to avoid root rot.

It's important the seeds stay warm while germinating, so I would advise it unless you live in the desert and plant in the middle of summer. You can find a simple heat pad for plants on Amazon for $11. There's no need to buy a heat regulator since these heat pads do not get hotter than 90 degrees and typically warm at around 85.

I prefer neem oil (but only use it in the evening, as the oil will burn the leaves if left in the sun), then placing the plant in the shade and repeating the application to make sure the eggs are eradicated.

I find using a small makeup brush with soft bristles works better and does less damage than a Q-Tip. You can pick up packs of 10 at a dollar store. You can easily see the pollen on the dark brush and can get around the inside of the flower without hurting it.

Yes; however, they need to be in a south-facing window where they get the most light. These plants are sun-lovers and will not flower as well without it. A grow light works well too, but make sure it is full-spectrum.

They will only produce pods when they have flowers and the flowers are pollinated. You can self-pollinate with the same plant. Since seed pods take up to 6 month to fully mature, you will usually get pods once year unless you take them indoors during the winter and are lucky enough for the plant to continue flowering.

No, do not use play sand. Play sand has round particles and will make the soil drain much worse, it can make the soil into almost a brick under some circumstances. Builders sand has rough particles and breaks up compacted soil so it drains better. It is very important to use builders sand instead of play sand.