Q&A for How to Prune Desert Rose

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  • Question
    What can I put on the ends of the branches from a hard pruned desert rose to protect them from the sun?
    Community Answer
    Just like for orchids, you can use a can of bitumen spray (which can be obtained from most nursery stores).
  • Question
    What do I treat the cut end with?
    Community Answer
    I use cinnamon. Make sure you squeeze all the sap from the branch before applying the cinnamon to prevent fungal infection. Let it dry out with the cinnamon for about an hour or more before planting. If it rains frequently where you live, you might want to consider using some type of glue as well to prevent root rot.
  • Question
    Can I use rooting hormone to make limbs of my desert rose sprout roots?
    Community Answer
    Vitamin B-12 is a root stimulant that also helps prevent shock when transplanting so that, plus fertilizer and water, motivates your sprouts and pruned plants to blossom and flourish. Also, coconut coir is a great go-to for adding to potting soil for nutrients.
  • Question
    Can the removed branches be rooted and replanted?
    Blossom Girl
    Community Answer
    Yes, just make sure that they are healthy and in good condition. When repotting desert rose plants, make sure the soil is dry before gently removing the desert rose from its pot. The extraction may prove easier if you prop the container on its side and try wiggling the plant free with a firm hold on the base of the plant.
  • Question
    What are the best shaped Pots for a Desert Rose ? I see a lot in concave Pots.
    Blossom Girl
    Community Answer
    Just be sure that the container chosen has good drainage and is thick-walled. Style pots are not suggested because they provide room for the roots to fan out and have a shallowness about them which allows the soil to dry more quickly unlike a bowl-shaped pot which are suggested.
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