One of the most beautiful succulents to collect is Adenium obesium (a-DEE-nee-um oh-BEE-sum), or desert rose.
Sometimes referred to as mock azalea or Adenium obesum, this wonderful plant is extremely low-maintenance.
The rose-like blooms are treasured and vary from white to deep red.
Over time, the plant can become leggy and produce a decreasing amount of blooms.
Some well-planned pruning will not only restore the number of blooms; it can make your desert rose much fuller and healthier.
How Do You Prune Desert Rose?
While pruning Desert Roses can become very involved, the most basic approach is to prune right after the final frost. Remove damaged or overgrown portions, and shape as desired.
Be sure to wear gloves, as the natural latex in its sap of Adenium obesum can cause a reaction in some individuals.
Tips on Desert Rose Plant Pruning
As mentioned, when pruning desert rose, there’s a lot to consider, especially when pruning to remove damage or disease.
The Best Time to Prune Adenium
Late winter to early spring is usually the best time, as its blooms emerge from new growth.
However, pruning may occur in summer to early autumn as needed.
Avoid pruning in late autumn, as the tender new growth will be vulnerable to temperature changes and frost.
Equipment Needed
The desert rose plant is part of the dogbane family where members contain natural latex in their sap. Contact with the juice may result in an allergic reaction in some folk.
Related: Is The Adenium Toxic?
As a result, it’s generally best to wear gloves and wash your hands after pruning.
Sterilize your pruning shears before use by dipping them in alcohol.
It’s generally a good idea to keep a container of isopropyl alcohol on-hand as well as a sealable plastic bag in case you run into a mealybug infestation, spider mites, or an infection.
Pruning for Health
Examine the plant for any signs of damage or disease.
Carefully remove any damaged portions, cutting just above a node on the healthy tissue.
If you encounter any:
- Fungal growth
- Leaf spot
- Powdery mildew
- Bugs such as mealybugs
Carefully prune the infected part so it doesn’t contact the rest of the plant.
These cuts should be several inches below the infected spot through healthy tissue to ensure you get as much of the infection as possible.
Dispose the diseased portion immediately in a sealable plastic bag and dip the shears into alcohol to resterilize them.
Related: Getting Rid Of Aphids on Desert Roses
Pruning for Looks
When simply pruning to make your desert rose fuller or encourage flowering, there is a lot of room for preference.
As a general rule, always make clean cuts just above a leaf node or junction point.
Trim taller stems back to the same height as lower stems for more uniform growth.
It is usually best to prune back any crossed branches. Shape the plant to your taste, giving it an almost bonsai-like quality.
More: How To Care For A Bonsai Adenium
With proper pruning, a well-draining soil mix, liquid fertilizer, and lots of bright light your Adenium should provide plenty of beautiful blooms.