Desert rose: Neither rose nor desert dweller
By Xu Chenlu
00:27

For those who travel a lot, the options for keeping houseplants might be very limited. Therefore, most of the people finally choose the cactus. But there is another option, which is hardy to hotness, to drought, and produces a showy flower. This plant is called the desert rose.

The rose-like coloring is the reason to the desert rose's name. /VCG Photo

The rose-like coloring is the reason to the desert rose's name. /VCG Photo

When you first hear the name of a desert rose, you may wonder why a delicate rose can live in the harsh desert. Actually, neither of the elements in its name reflects the truth. The reason it is called by desert rose is that the flower, which can be found near the desert in Africa, has the same red color as the rose.

Thriving desert roses. /VCG Photo

Thriving desert roses. /VCG Photo

The desert rose is a type of succulent, and the blooming period for desert rose lasts for months, even from May to December is possible.

This plant is preferred by gardeners because of its flower, which, by now, has many shades and patterns including purple, striped and traditional red. Thus, to gardeners who hope to gain a pot of color without too much effort, this is a good choice.

A pot of desert rose. /VCG Photo

A pot of desert rose. /VCG Photo

If you hope to grow one, make sure it gets full sun and has well-drained soil. It needs a regular amount of water during summer and spring, but less water in winter. Also, keep in mind that this flower will produce toxic sap, so keep it away from children and pets. Also, if you get the sap on yourself, wash your hands immediately.

(Cover via VCG, designed by CGTN's Li Yueyun.)

(Video via VCG, edited by CGTN's Xu Chenlu)

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