General Care

• Plant a desert rose in a soil that is a neutral formula or only slightly alkaline. The soil should be loose and well drained. Plant with a spacing of 8 to 10 feet if planted outdoors.
  
  Locate the plant in an area where it will receive direct sunlight for most of the day. Place a potted desert rose near a south-facing window.
  
  Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist at all times. Use a pot that has drainage holes so that the soil does not become soggy. If left without water, the plant may begin dropping leaves but they will grow back quickly when water is added. If the plant is in an area where it receives some shade, watering can be reduced.
  
  Prune the desert rose when the branches begin to appear spindly. This will cause the plant to grow more stems and result in a full bushy plant instead of a tall spindly one. If kept root-bound in a smaller pot, a desert rose will still thrive but will not grow any larger. The sap of the desert rose is toxic so gloves should be used when pruning. Wash any skin that comes in contact with the sap thoroughly with soap and water.
  
  Fertilize the desert rose twice a month with a liquid general-purpose plant food. Give the plant a break from feeding during the winter months.
  
  The desert rose is prone to infestation by aphids and caterpillars. Eliminate pests by washing the leaves gently with warm, soapy water. Use liquid dish soap or other mild soap. Do not use chemicals on the plant unless no other option will work.
  
  

Propogation

• Remove a cutting from an established plant with a sharp knife or scissors. Never pull or twist a stem to remove. Dip the cut end in to a liquid or powder rooting hormone before placing in a pot filled with peat moss or coarse sand. Keep the cutting moist at all times and place in a location where it will receive bright light but not direct sunlight. Covering the plant with plastic wrap or other clear plastic will help promote moisture and humidity.