How to grow desert rose
Growing desert rose from seed can be tricky. The plant produces seeds after flowering, but the resulting seedlings are variable. To get a true-to-type plant, take stem cuttings when they are dormant.
Desert roses can be planted outside in the garden in warm, tropical and arid climates, but are most commonly grown in pots or as bonsai. They are not an “indoor” plant – they can be brought indoors for short periods while in flower, but they prefer to be outside in a warm, sunny spot, away from cold winds.
If you are going to plant the desert rose in the garden, follow these steps:
Choose a sunny position; in tropical and arid areas, a light shade from midday onwards will protect it from sunburn.
Plant it so that the base of the caudex (trunk) is at or just above ground level.
The soil should be free-draining and gravelly, but richer soil will be tolerated.
Add a long-term controlled-release fertilizer during soil preparation.
If you plant the desert rose in a pot, follow these steps:
A terracotta or porous clay pot is preferable as it drains well and dries more quickly than plastic, ceramic or fibreglass.
