---
title: "just repotted my moms desert rose it's been in the same pot for ten…"
description: "just repotted my moms desert rose it's been in the same pot for ten years and it's covered in lichens. should i prune it back and if so how far."
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/uviZP8wGiJvhZT2yC8pWre?language=nl"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "plantluvr444"
published: "2025-05-03T21:47:55.553391Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HdUUjtG5BE6_rq_v6HYP5E9--xDzSxEEwJIORel7q1g/Q9kvKmjLQtWv_KbPUo0RUQ.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md?language=nl) / [Anything about plants](https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg.md?language=nl)

# just repotted my moms desert rose it's been in the same pot for ten…

_Geplaatst door plantluvr444 op 2025-05-03_

just repotted my moms desert rose it's been in the same pot for ten years and it's covered in lichens. should i prune it back and if so how far.

![Bijlage 1 van 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HdUUjtG5BE6_rq_v6HYP5E9--xDzSxEEwJIORel7q1g/Q9kvKmjLQtWv_KbPUo0RUQ.webp?size=large)

## 7 reacties

### KJM reageerde op 2025-05-04

I would. I'm not experienced at desert Rose but I would think you trim it to a shape you like.

### KJM reageerde op 2025-05-04

This is what I read, trim off any dead or damaged branches once it has leafed out, trim long lanky branches to balance the symmetry, remove any branches that cross and rub against other branches cutting just above a node.

#### plantluvr444 antwoordde op 2025-05-04

thank you :)

### 7Bee reageerde op 2025-05-04

You can prune a Desert Rose. In fact it helps them to stay more compact and develop more blooms. enjoy the blooms then prune to the shape you desire.

![Bijlage 1 van 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/KDqM307W6sIUMBpt4EVFiE49c4SPvFPHcfXRvUknaEI/8WUQksykQaGNdFZs7wl4Jg.webp?size=large)

#### plantluvr444 antwoordde op 2025-05-04

have you ever tried propogating? i looked into and saw it wouldn't develop a caudex but i just wanted to see if it was successful if you did attempt.

#### 7Bee antwoordde op 2025-08-28

I grew these from seed. I also heard if you use a cutting you will not get a caudex. I have not propagated by cutting yet. If I did I would let the cuttings sit several days to a week to callus over. Then plant in a well draining soil.

### KJM reageerde op 2025-05-04

To propagate you'll need a 5 to 6 in piece from the tip of a branch. Wear gloves because apparently they sap is toxic. It probably has an irritating quality to the skin. Peel off the lower leaves if there are any and let it dry for a couple days. Dampen the end and dip it in rooting hormone. Potted in a well draining soil. It takes 2 to 6 weeks for it to start rooting according to my source.

---

_De Planta-community (https://getplanta.com). Iedereen kan meelezen. Om te posten, reageren en liken, download de Planta-app: https://getplanta.com/download_