Hello, it's me, your new Desert Rose. The journey from the nursery to your windowsill has been a significant change for me. My first request is for patience. Please place me in a location with very bright, indirect light for the first week or two. Avoid the urge to put me directly into the harsh, hot sun immediately. I need this transitional period to adjust to the light intensity and humidity levels of my new environment without going into shock. This period of acclimatization is crucial for my long-term health.
Once I've settled in, I crave sunlight. I am a sun-worshipper by nature. Please find me the sunniest spot you have—a south or west-facing window is ideal. I need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive, produce my beautiful flowers, and maintain a strong, thick caudex (my swollen trunk). I also adore warmth. Consistent temperatures between 70°F and 100°F (21°C to 38°C) are perfect. Most importantly, keep me away from drafts, air conditioning vents, and cold windows, especially in winter. I am extremely sensitive to the cold.
My water needs are unique because of my succulent nature. My thick caudex stores water, allowing me to endure dry periods. The single biggest mistake you can make is to overwater me. Always check my soil first. The top one to two inches must be completely dry to the touch before you even think about watering. When you do water, do so thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot, then empty the saucer underneath. I would much rather be too dry than too wet. In the winter, when I am dormant and may drop my leaves, I need very little water—perhaps only once a month or less.
I require a home that mimics my native, arid environment. This means I must be planted in a very well-draining soil mix. A specialized cactus or succulent potting mix is excellent. Many enthusiasts even create a blend for me using standard potting soil amended with plenty of perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to ensure water flows through quickly. My pot must have excellent drainage holes. A terracotta or clay pot is ideal because it is porous and helps wick away excess moisture from my roots, preventing rot.
While I am not a heavy feeder, I do appreciate nutrients during my active growing season (spring and summer). To support lush growth and prolific blooming, please feed me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength, or use a fertilizer specifically formulated for succulents or flowering plants. A monthly feeding during this period is perfect. Please stop fertilizing me entirely in the fall and winter when my growth slows down or stops; I am resting and do not need the extra nutrients.
