Disinfecting the cutting tool prevents the transfer of disease to your plant. Cutting the branches close to the caudex, the large root, will make your desert rose flourish. Every 2-3 years, youll need to do a hard prune to cut back leggy branches. Depending on the growing season in your area, this can help your desert rose blossom again within the season. You can do minor pruning throughout the year to shape the entire plant or remove diseased branches. When should i prune a desert rose plant? Its a strategic move to boost blooms. If you want to keep the plant healthy or trim away a few branches that seem out of place, do a minor prune. How do you repot a desert rose? Cutting at a 45-degree angle allows the branch to heal more quickly. · although desert rose is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant, it can become long and leggy in time. Look at the desert rose for any rotting branches that are black, dark brown, or yellow. If youre pruning more than 1 desert rose plant, sterilize the cutting tool before pruning the next plant. By the end, you’ll be a desert rose pruning expert! When you prune these branches, cut enough of the branch that only the healthy part remains Use clean, sharp tools like pruning shears or loppers for precise cuts. · early spring or late winter is the best time to prune for optimal results. Wear gloves to protect your hands when pruning. Do a hard prune to reduce the size of the rose plant. Use gardening or leather gloves when you begin to prune the desert rose. For example, if you cut away a rotten branch and see black or brown in the branch close to the caudex, make another cut thats closer to the caudex so you get to healthy tissue. Don’t worry, though! Let’s get started! This will allow you to clear out leggy branches or reduce the size of the plant. To dramatically cut back your desert rose , do a hard prune. · by following these pruning techniques, your desert rose will grow stronger, healthier, and more vibrant, producing an impressive display of blossoms year after year. Cut off these branches at a 45-degree angle. Always wear gloves and protective gear to avoid the plant’s toxic sap. · pruning your desert rose isnt just about snipping away; See full list on wikihow. com Once youve decided the shape you want the desert rose to have, you can identify which branches youll need to cut back. Click this article for tips on desert rose pruning. Sterilize your cutting tool with rubbing alcohol or bleach before pruning. Desert rose is known for its beautiful blossoms and slow growth. Youll notice sap ooze from the cuts on the plant. Cut at a 45-degree angle above the flower nodes or junctions. In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything together, just like friends in the garden. Spent flowers, lateral growth, and overcrowded branches. Limit hard pruning to once every 2 to 3 years. Focus on three key areas: If you cut at a 90-degree angle, water can collect in the branch and cause it to rot. Use your sterilized cutting tool to cut about 1 inch (2. 5 cm) above the flower node or junction where the branches split. Wipe or spray your cutting blade or pruning shears with rubbing alcohol. Pruning will avoid this problem by creating a bushy, fuller-looking plant. Prune damaged or crossed branches. How do you prune a desert rose? Taking care of a desert rose involves a few important things, and one of them is pruning. If you dont have rubbing alcohol, you can use a 10% bleach solution. After pruning, care for your desert rose by providing adequate water and sunlight. Its important to protect your hands because the sap can irritate your skin, causing a rash or itchy sensation. In this guide, we’ll show you the simple and easy steps to prune your desert rose like a pro. · learning how to prune desert rose plants is the single most effective way to transform your plant from a lanky teenager into a show-stopping specimen bursting with blooms. Don’t worry—this isn’t as scary as it sounds! Remember to keep kids and pets away from the desert rose as youre pruning it. If your desert rose is planted outside, its still a good idea to do a hard prune since this will help it flower in the spring. Do a minor prune to encourage new growth.