Desert Rose Help

[greenman63]

My desert rose is getting pretty leggy this spring. I've not grown this one for very long, should I trim it back a bit, will it bud back? I assume it branches or buds where it's been cut. Is wiring done on these? I'd like to shape it a bit for better effect, what would you do?

 

[fourteener]

I've never seen one. I love the flower, it's beautiful. I really like the pot also. Fancy enough for the beauty above.

 

[greenman63]

Thanks, Fourteener, I like the pot, too. I bought that one and another similar one at Ross or Marshalls or something. I'm always on the lookout for good, inexpensive bonsai or decorative pots. Both pots together came out to something like $20, I was very pleased. They appear to be real Chinese porcelain, mass-produced but nicely made. This pot is very flattering to the flowers' colors. A purist might not accept that this is a true bonsai specimen because the Desert Rose is more of a succulent, but it has great root and trunk effects, and can get pretty gnarled. I'm trying to figure out how to get that effect here.I'll probably just cut back most of the branches and wait for it to grow back a while before I decide how to proceed from there. Any suggestions?

 

[fourteener]

Thanks, Fourteener, I like the pot, too. I bought that one and another similar one at Ross or Marshalls or something. I'm always on the lookout for good, inexpensive bonsai or decorative pots. Both pots together came out to something like $20, I was very pleased. They appear to be real Chinese porcelain, mass-produced but nicely made. This pot is very flattering to the flowers' colors. A purist might not accept that this is a true bonsai specimen because the Desert Rose is more of a succulent, but it has great root and trunk effects, and can get pretty gnarled. I'm trying to figure out how to get that effect here.I'll probably just cut back most of the branches and wait for it to grow back a while before I decide how to proceed from there. Any suggestions?

Does the pot have drainage? Just checking, sometimes the pretty ones don't. Bonsai or not, it's a beautiful plant. I hesitate to give any advice about a plant I have never even seen before. Most succulents can bud back though.

If no one here gives you any advice about that, I would find a good nursery in your area and ask them your horticulture questions. They might not be able to give it any style, but they will know about how it grows, if it buds back after being cut. Knowing someone who knows their horticulture is a big asset in this hobby. Finding someone local who can answer those questions is always helpful. Don't go to home improvement stores to ask questions, go to an actual nursery.