Thanks! Any idea about facilitating growth? It's in warm, bright place, especially during the summer, but even in the winter it has a decent spot.

I am in the Caribbean and, even here, we get the occasional runt. The characteristic is simply genetic in some plants. They should be left to grow at their own pace and will eventually catch up as they mature.

That said, these are tropical plants and, as such, need high sun exposure. They love to be outside all day catching rays, whether directly or indirectly. They also require lots of eighty degree heat to remain actively growing. Anything under a consistent high temp will cause their development will wane off. The alternative is to mimic their natural growing environment with artificial lights. Feeding them more will not benefit and can, in fact, harm these plants. I take it you already know not to feed a plant that is not actively growing or putting on consistently new growth.

Congratulations on overwintering your "little lone wolf." I'm sure others in your area will chime in with excellent overwintering advice. Spring seems to be off to a slow start in many regions this year. In the meantime, keep providing the most sunlight possible.

Maria Elena

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Thanks Maria,

I knew desert rose needed a lot of warmth, and that a lot of people use artificial light or warming pads to keep a consistently warm temperature. I figured it would just grow slowly or stop growing all winter, but it hardly grew in the summer. I wonder if our summers are just not warm enough in Pittsburgh. Sometimes we have a couple months with a lot of 80-degree weather days, but that isn't too common.

Your right - we have had a slow spring. It was snowing earlier this week, but in the 60's and 70's the last couple days. It will be out in sun as soon as the nighttime temperature stay in the 50's+.

~Jon

Sounds like genetics. Exactly ... If you can leave it outdoors during those seventy degree days, even if you have to bring it back in for the night, that will benefit the plant significantly. Acclimate slowly.

The "bonsai shuffle." I can start transitioning it this weekend, Monday and Tuesday will be too cold, but hopefully I can have it in full sun outdoors within a week or so.