new plant for me!

10 years ago

I have many houseplants and succulents, but wanted to branch out & have been thinking about a desert rose for some time. I picked up a small one yesterday, and have a few questions just to make sure I'm on the right page. There's so much conflicting info out there!

1: is gritty mix the best option? I usually mix a bit more turface into mine to make up for the fact that I can't always water every two days. It usually ends up happening twice a week.

2: in zone 6a, when should I expect a dormancy period?

3: I like the irregular shape of the caudex compared to most of the others it was with, that all had nice little round ones. I don't know if this is considered undesirable, but I usually prefer asymmetry, so this one was calling my name. Is there anything I needed to do to keep it from rounding out, or once they are shaped, will they hold that relative form as they grow?

4: Should I repot/prune yellow leaves now, or leave it in peat (eww!) Until a more appropriate time of year?

5: How do I tell if this is a grafted plant? I see it mentioned frequently. I don't really care of it is or isn't, mostly just curious.

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Comments (2)

rcharles_gw (Canada)
10 years ago
Amynoacids,

The gritty mix is what I use, but it can vary depending on your location (climate) and whether you can keep them outside all year round. That being said, with what you have listed as a zone, you could not leave outside from fall to spring.

The gritty mix is a safe and tried method of not being too concerned about water being retained in the root zone. Most mixes for individuals are different, as materials are not always available.

As long as the mix drains very quickly. Stay away from Peat based products. In MO.

The caudex or trunk of the plant will grow as it is genetically programmed to. Raising the plant over the years, exposing some of the thick root (which will then be called the caudex) will give a different appearance to it.

Generally, I would repot in the spring. They usually sell these in a coir based mix and should be potted up in something better. Either way it will most likely lose it's leaves from the changes in environment and/or repotting. So do not be suprised by this.

Repot it in a pot just slightly bigger than the widest part of the root area. No more than 1/2"- 1" of space between inside edges of pot.

Water it in and keep in a well lighted area (East to South facing) if possible.

Hard to tell if it is a grafted plant, as the leaves are covering the base main stem. If it is there will be a visible line. If you show a photo of it where the main stem is visible it would be possible to tell. Nice to know for yourself.

Does not need pruning.

Rick
Amynoacids (z6 MI)
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you, Rick. My plants do come in from Oct to May, but most of the not-gigantic ones are in gritty mix. I either hold them over a sink or bucket to water. Appreciate you sharing info!

-Amy
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