Question
We live in south Fl, came home yesterday after a windy stormy day and found our prized potted desert rose damaged. It is large about 4' tall multi trunked with the main fat succulent stem broken at the base of 4 branchings. I tied it back but know it needs to be removed , what do I do with it? I know that I must cut it below all of the branches , but do I cut it on an angle, do I treat the remaining wound with something? And can I propagate the cuttings. The plant is really healthy, sits in full sun and blooms almost constantly . Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi Rick,

You could try propagating each of the four branches by cutting each just above where they emerge from the base stem. However, if they are all still attached to the base, then I suggest making a clean cut on that base stem just below the break and propagating that with the 4 branches intact. If you succeed, you will have a much larger and more interesting looking plant.

Whichever option you choose, follow these steps. The stem cuts should be clean and straight across. Allow the cut sections to heal for 24 hours in the open air. Insert the cuttings in small, shallow pots that are filled with a porous potting mix similar to the potting mix used in the original pot. Plant them no more than an inch below the surface.

Provide lots of good light (light shade, if outdoors), warm temps and water lightly as soon as the surface of the potting mix feels dry.

I have written an article on propagation that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected]. I have also written an indoor plant care book in a PDF format that I can sell you if you contact me at my email address.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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