If you have a desert rose plant, you know that it can be quite tricky to care for, and you may be wondering “when should I repot my desert rose?”. Well we've got the answer to all of your desert rose plants questions: when to repot, how to repot, and WHY to repot! The desert rose is a plant that can grow quite quickly and may need repotting several times over the course of its life. So if you notice that your desert rose plant is not blooming, not growing, or just not doing very well in general, it may be quite possible that it needs to be moved!
Desert Rose Plants – When & How to Repot
The best answer to “when to repot” is during its period of active growth in the warm season. This will typically be in the spring or summertime. By doing so, the roots will have a full season of root growth ahead to expand and fill the new pot.
Before you repot this plant, make sure to wear gloves – the desert rose contains sap that can actually be poisonous!
Grab a pot or container that is about 2 inches wider than the previous one and that is also has very good drainage holes.
If possible, use clay pots as they absorb extra moisture from the soil which is beneficial to the desert rose as it can minimize the potential for root rot.
Use a potting mix that's formulated for cacti or succulents. If using regular potting soil, mix in equal parts of sand or perlite to ensure good drainage.
Before removing your desert rose plant, make sure that the soil is completely dry.
Gently wiggle the plant out of its container, careful not to break the plant or the roots. Do not pull or force it out – simply wriggle gently and patiently until the roots start to come out.
Prune away any roots that look dead or damaged, and use a fungicide to treat the cuts.
Plant your desert rose in its new pot, and back-fill with soil, leaving the caudex exposed. The caudex is the thick, swollen area of the stem near the soil level. If your plant is under 3 years old though, you may want to cover up the caudex as exposure to the sun may cause it to burn.
After back-filling with soil, do not water your plant for a week. This is to ensure that the roots have had proper time to heal.
Now gradually introduce your plant to sun, little by little.
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