skip to main content

Cacti & Succulents

Desert Rose Problems

ashleypennybacker

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

My desert rose plant seems to be having problems. It did not grow much over the summer and many of it's leaves were misshapen. I thought I was over watering it, so I only water it once a week with a cactus food. The leaves look better but they are not growing very quickly and it is still dropping leaves.

It gets a good bit of sunshine from a south east facing window

It it may need a larger pot possibly the root ball is pretty sizable.

Any tips for nursing this plant back to health would be greatly appreciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
7 years ago
Not nearly enough light for healthy growth.

And, yes, it does need a larger container.

Josh
cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
7 years ago
These are full-sun plants - acclimate it gradually.
Related Discussions
Newbie with a possible desert rose problem
Q
Comments (2)
From what I can tell, I'm thinking that it isn't a root rot problem. The yellowing would ascend from the base of the plant, although *sometimes it isn't really noticable until it's too late. Also, the yellowing looks like it's really high up on the stem, so I don't think it's the effect of root rot. If it isn't well-draining, I might remove the plant from the potting mix, and let it dry out a little before re-planting. That would help in preventing any rot from setting in, and would slow its progress if there is any in the roots. It could be there was a wound on thet spot and got an infection, but I am not very sure as to the cause. *There is a post by CorpsmanCooper that demonstrates this well. It's titled, "Somethings wrong with my Ferocactus latispinus". A succulent that offsets regularly or has a healthy growing tip has a better chance of being saved. I'm not sure about desert roses, but I would think you could cut off the section of rotted stem and keep the upper half as a cutting. -Kaegen
...See More
desert rose problems
Q
Comments (1)
see also Cacti forum and or container forum
...See More
Desert rose leaf problem
Q
Comments (2)
and how about some history.. were they planted last week ...?? ken
...See More
problem with Desert Rose (A.o)
Q
Comments (3)
Hi Jeff, Gill from the palm forum here. I too have a desert rose seedling and it's caudex has recently begun to go a bit soft. Its only 5-6 inches tall and was grown from seed last spring. I 'up-ended' it and removed the rotted roots and cleaned its bottom! There were white root nubs just sprouting so I re-potted it in even faster draining compost and propped it up with some polystyrene pieces as due to lack of roots it was unstable in the pot. It was watered sparingly to settle it in and I'm keeping it warm and VERY dry in the hope that it will pull through. Some leaves have fell but it is not totally defoliated....yet. It seems no worse. My fingers are well and truly crossed. If not it's back to search on-line for some more seeds. Good luck. Gill.
...See More
Maria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a)
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Ashley,

Both comments preceeding mine are on point. Your tree looks semi dormant for lack of light and is likely pot bound. Unless planted inground, Adeniums should be uprooted every spring to check on the health of the roots & caudex, inspect for rot before it spreads, and trim off excess feeder roots. They should also be fed weekly at 1/4 strength.

If you copy this over to the adenium forum we can dig deeper, starting with uprooting this baby. Shake/wash off all soil & take pictures of all sides.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/adenium

Please go to Profile => Advanced Settings and add your location next to your name or zone. This will help us better gauge what you need to do appropriate to the existing climate.

- Maria Elena
greenclaws UK, Zone 8a
7 years ago
...and I will second all the comments above, not wishing to poach a c/s forum user but please do hop over 'to the other side' and we can help best.....it needs helping:-/

Gill...hello Maria Elena!

Related Stories

BASEMENTS Basement of the Week: High-End Problem Solving for a Show House

By Becky Harris

Dark and dated? Naturally. But this '70s-style basement had myriad other design issues too. See how the designer rose to the challenge

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Great Design Plant: Paint the Summer Landscape With Desert Willow

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

If the vibrant flowers of this Southwestern native tree don't blow you away, the hummingbirds, fire resistance and low maintenance will

REMODELING GUIDES The Hidden Problems in Old Houses

By Matt Clawson

Before snatching up an old home, get to know what you’re in for by understanding the potential horrors that lurk below the surface

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Problem Solving With the Pros: Rustic Simplicity in a Country Garden

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Editing thoughtfully and adding some magic result in a timeless weekend retreat

WINTER GARDENING Pruning Secrets for Exquisite Roses

By Annie Thornton

Encourage gorgeous blooms year after year with this time-tested advice on how to prune your rosebush in winter for health and shape

GARDENING GUIDES What Kind of Roses Should You Grow?

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Want to add the beauty of roses to your garden? Find out which ones, from old-fashioned to modern, are right for you

GARDENING GUIDES Learn the Secret to Bigger and Better Roses

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Grow beautiful roses using both ordinary and unusual soil amendments

GARDENING GUIDES Meet the Mighty Saguaro of the Desert Landscape

By Karen Peterson

You’ve seen its form in films, on souvenirs and much more. Now get to know this iconic cactus of the Sonoran Desert

ARCHITECTURE Houzz Tour: A Pond House in the Arizona Desert

With water in the back and a descent to get in, this skillfully designed modern home keeps its cool in the Southwestern sun

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Stunning Desert Hillside Home in Arizona

By Becky Harris

An extraordinary, expansive home near Phoenix celebrates and interacts with the beauty of its natural surroundings

Sponsored

More Discussions

What's wrong withy my cactus?

0

Can I trim this plant?

1

Moon Cactus help

4

ID this cactus please?

8

jade plant pruning

6