Question
Hi, Darlene I have had my Massangeana Cane for a year now It is in a 12inch pot thats the pot that it came in I was wondering what type of soil do i need to use, and i have a desert rose its in a 7inch pot so what size of pot should i put it in I have had it about a month now and the type of soil do i need you use what type of fertilizers thanks very much>

Answer
Helen,

Do not move the Massangeana Cane to any larger pot, find a decorative one that you like that is the same size. For potting soil I reccomend that you buy a bag of the cheapest potting soil you find and a bag of perlite. Mix 2 bowls full of potting soil with 1 bowl full of perlite. That will give the plant good drainage and keep the roots healthy and that is the most important part ot the plant. Healthy roots will grow a healthy plant. Never leave it sit with water in the drain tray.

You should only move the desert rose to a larger pot if it is so large there is less than 2 inches between the base of the plant and the pot. Then move it to a 9 inch diameter pot and not any larger. Once a year you can lift the plant from the pot and put 1 inch of fresh soil in the bottom of the pot then set the plant back in the pot and work the excess soil from the top of the bulb down in the sides of the pot revealing another 1 inch of the bulb. The bulb is the intriguing part of the plant and you want to reveal more of it once a year. For soil you should use the same mixe as above, 1 part of perlite mixed with 2 parts of cheap potting soil then add 1 part of sand and it will be a perfect mix. Also never leave it sit with water in the drain tray. This is a desert plant. Give it lots of sun and let it dry out well between waterings. Fertilizer for the desert rose should be a water soluable fertilizer that is labeled for blooming plants. For the mass cane you should use Miracle Grow or any brand of water soluable fertilizer. It does not have to be for blooming plants but it will not hurt to use the same blooming plant fertilizer for both plants.  Good luck.

Darlene