TheNaturePlanet

Roses have always been beloved by people. However, there is a plant called "desert rose" that has also attracted the attention of many flower enthusiasts. So, are desert roses the same as ordinary roses? What differences exist between them in terms of morphology, growth environment, and maintenance requirements? Which one is easier to cultivate?
First, let's learn about desert roses. Desert roses are not true roses; they belong to the Adenium obesum genus of the Apocynaceae family. The word "desert" in their name implies that they have a strong drought tolerance and are adapted to arid and hot environments. Desert roses have a unique morphology, with thick trunks like ancient trees, and showy flowers, usually trumpet-shaped and available in a rich variety of colors such as red, pink, and white.
In contrast, ordinary roses belong to the Rosa genus of the Rosaceae family and are well-known as the flower of love. The stems of ordinary roses are relatively thin, thorny, and the leaves are pinnately compound. The flower morphology is beautiful, with overlapping petals and a rich fragrance, and they are common favorites in bouquets and gardens. In terms of the growth environment, desert roses are native to places like Kenya and Tanzania in Africa and prefer high-temperature, dry, and sunny environments. They can grow in poor soil and have relatively low water requirements. Ordinary roses, on the other hand, are more adapted to mild climates, require sufficient sunlight, but have higher requirements for water and soil fertility.
Then, in terms of maintenance difficulty, which is easier to cultivate, desert roses or ordinary roses?
For ordinary roses, although they are beautiful and charming, their maintenance requires certain experience and skills. Water management is crucial. Excessive or insufficient watering can lead to root rot or poor growth. Secondly, ordinary roses are prone to pest and disease attacks, such as black spot disease, powdery mildew, and aphids, and require regular pesticide spraying for prevention and control. In addition, pruning is also an important task; through reasonable pruning, the branching and flowering of the plants can be promoted.
Desert roses, on the other hand, are relatively drought-tolerant and do not require frequent watering. When watering, be careful to avoid water accumulation to prevent root rot. Due to their growth in arid environments, the occurrence of pests and diseases is relatively less, but still, it is necessary to observe carefully and deal with problems in time. In terms of fertilization, desert roses have low fertilizer requirements, and moderate fertilization is sufficient.
Desert roses and ordinary roses have obvious differences in appearance, growth environment, and maintenance requirements. If you are a flower enthusiast and do not have much maintenance experience, then desert roses might be a better choice. Their drought-tolerant characteristics and relatively simple maintenance requirements make them easier to grow and flower in a home environment.