All desert rose growers want to display a plant with a magnificent caudex, but how do I transplant desert rose so I can achieve this effect?
It is normal for beginner gardeners to be afraid to transplant their plants as they fear killing them. However, this article will help you to lose the fear of destroying the desert rose plant.
You will see exactly the benefits of transplanting your desert rose, the right time to do the procedure, and how to transplant your desert rose.
Why transplant a desert rose plant?
You may have come to this article because someone told you that you should transplant, or you already have some knowledge about desert roses, and you have a reason to transplant.
If you already know the reason for this passage, I suggest you skip to the next topic.
Well, over time, the roots of desert roses grow and get fat, just like any other plant. However, its roots are firm and tend to penetrate the pot and crack or tear it if it is a pot and plastic.
Over time, the stem or caudex of desert roses also gets fat and can become ugly and too big for the vase.
These are also two indications that you need to transplant your desert roses soon. I bet you don’t want to lose a pot due to the roots of this plant, do you?
Another very common reason to transplant desert rose, but without having a basis of necessity, is to detach the caudex and roots of the plant.
Its roots are very ornamental and beautiful in pots. Indeed, if you grow desert roses, you will want to show off your roots.
Desert rose transplanting should also be done if you suspect root rot.
When to transplant desert rose plant?
A critical factor to consider when transplanting desert rose is when to transplant.
Transplanting at the right time ensures your plant’s vigor for a long time. In addition, the chances of your plant receiving a lot of damage with adaptation is lower than at other times of the year.
The general rule is to transplant desert roses during their growing season, specifically in the summer and spring months. This will give your roots the full growing season to recover and grow back.
How to transplant desert rose
First, take the necessary safety precautions. Desert roses have a very poisonous sap that can cause skin irritation by contact.
Recommended: How to Care for Desert Rose Plant
Protect yourself by wearing gloves, especially if you are cutting your desert rose.
To transplant, you will need a container 3 to 5 cm larger in diameter than the previous one. To know the diameter, measure the space from one end to the other in the middle of the circle 🚫.
Ensure the pot has good drainage with holes in the bottom so the roots will have the environment they prefer to grow in.
Clay pots are the most recommended for desert roses, as their surface acts in a way that helps the water drain faster. With this type of vase, the chances of your desert rose to rot are even lower.
You can use any container you want. However, I want to clarify that the clay ones are the best.
After choosing the container, you must prepare the substrate for your desert roses.
How to prepare substrate for desert rose
You can use the following recipe for the function:
- 1 part sand.
- 6 parts vermiculite
- 1 part of coconut fiber.
- One and a half parts of organic matter.
When learning how to transplant desert roses, ensure the soil is dry before removing the plant. That way, the extraction will be easier. The soil will come loose by supporting the container on its side.
If the pot is plastic, feel free to tighten the sides and loosen and break the soil.
After removing the plant, spend some time removing any old soil that is still stuck between the roots. Cut off any roots that don’t look good and seal the cuts with cinnamon powder to keep the disease out.
Positioning:
Now it’s time to position the plant in its new pot. Don’t forget one of our goals is to expose the caudex of your desert rose above the ground.
If you’re a novice, know that the caudex is a thick, swollen area of the stem close to ground level. This whole process is also called “lifting”.
Even though it is the brand of the plant, it is not recommended to expose its caudex if the plant is less than three years old. However, if it is of the right age, you should position it to be between 2.5 and 5 cm above the ground.
Of course, this is compared to the previous height of the roots.
If you are exposing the caudex, know that there may be sunburn in the part that was exposed, so you will have to introduce your plant gradually into the sun.
Avoid mainly midday and early afternoon sun, and always let your rose receive the morning sun until 10 am at the latest.
First, place your desert rose in the position you want, and then fill the container with the substrate, spreading the roots around the pot.
Do not water your plant for about a week. This way, you will allow the plant to heal from cuts properly.
Extras on Desert rose
- Desert roses can have caudex above or below ground.
- They can be fine even if they are tight in the pot.
- The sap of desert roses is poisonous.
- This type of plant adapts very well to wider than tall pots.
- The caudex swells as the plant grows.
- Transplanting is best done during the growing season, on the waning moon.
How old is your desert rose? Is your desert rose grafted? For what reason do you intend to transplant? Please leave a comment; let’s learn together!
