Okay, so I’ve been getting into desert roses lately – they’re just so cool looking! But I live in a place where it gets both blazing hot in the summer and pretty chilly in the winter, so I was a little worried about whether my new plant baby would survive. I did a bunch of digging online to figure out the temperature range these guys can handle.
My Desert Rose Temperature Experiment
First thing I did was check what the “experts” said. Most websites mentioned that desert roses are happiest between 65°F and 90°F (that’s about 18°C to 32°C). Sounds reasonable, right? But what about when things get extreme?
I decided to get a bit more hands-on. I already had a desert rose, and to keep an eye on things, I got a cheap little thermometer to stick in the soil, and another one to measure the air temperature around the plant.
Summer Heatwave Test
Summer rolled around, and we had a few days that were scorching – like, over 100°F (38°C) outside! I noticed the leaves on my desert rose started to look a little droopy.
- I moved it to a spot that got some shade during the hottest part of the day.
- I also made sure to water it a bit more frequently, but I was careful not to overdo it – soggy soil is a no-no for these plants.
It bounced back pretty quickly after that, so it seemed like a little shade and careful watering were key during heatwaves.
Winter Chill Test
Then came winter. We don’t get snow or anything, but it definitely dips below 50°F (10°C) at night sometimes. I read that desert roses can go dormant in cooler temps, so I wasn’t too freaked out, but below 40°F is dangerous apparently.
- I brought my desert rose inside.
- I put it near a sunny window, and.
- I cut way back on watering – like, maybe once every few weeks, just a little sip.
It looked a little sad and leafless for a while, but I trusted the process. Sure enough, once things started warming up again in spring, it started putting out new growth.
My Takeaway
So, based on my totally unscientific experiment, here’s what I learned:
- Desert roses are pretty tough, but they do have their limits.
- Extreme heat needs some shade and careful watering.
- Cold temps mean bringing them inside and letting them go dormant.
I’m definitely no expert, but my desert rose is still alive and kicking, so I must be doing something right! It’s all about paying attention to your plant and adjusting your care based on what it’s telling you, I guess.
