Substrates and irrigation levels for growing desert rose in pots

Abstract

In the past decades, desert rose has become a very popular ornamental plant, especially among collectors, due to its exotic and sculptural forms. However, it has been grown on a commercial scale only recently, and little is known about how to best manage it as a container-grown plant, or even which potting medium (substrate) to recommend. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the interactions between potting media and irrigation levels for growing desert rose as a potted ornamental plant. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a 6 x 2 factorial arrangement with six replications, six potting media and two irrigation levels. The mixes were characterized by measuring their physical properties, specifically the density and water retention capacity (WRC), as well as chemical properties, such as the pH and electrical conductivity (EC). After 210 days, plant growth and plant water consumption were evaluated and measured. A lower dry density for the vermiculite mixes was observed in comparison to that for the sand mixes. However, WRC ranged from 428 to 528 mL L-1 among the mixes, values considered close to ideal. In general, plant growth exhibited higher increases in mixes consisting of coconut fiber + sand or vermiculite, regardless of the irrigation level. Mixes of vermiculite + coconut fiber and sand + coconut fiber can be used to grow desert rose in pots, as long as irrigation is used to maintain the moisture content of the potting medium (mix) between 60-70% and 80-90% of the WRC.

Adenium obesum as a new potted flower: growth management

“…On the other hand, the coconut fiber substrate mixed with sand (1:1, v/v) or vermiculite (1:1, v/v), showed satisfactory initial growth in Adenium at 45 days after the seedlings transplanting and the absence of additional fertilization (COLOMBO et al, 2018). In the same study, it was verified that the effect of the mentioned substrates persisted during a period of seven months, similar to the substrate recommendation for Adenium commercial cultivation.…”

“…To produce potted ornamentals plants, it is available different types of potting media that can be used alone or mixed (GRUDA, 2012). However, to Adenium commercial production as potted plant, just a few studies are found regarding potting media and irrigation management (COLOMBO et al, 2018).…”

“…Physical analysis of the mix between vermiculite and coconut fiber (1:1, v v -1 ), showed that the mix presented low density (136 g L -1 ) and high water retention capacity (528 mL L -1 ); these characteristics seem to be ideal to Adenium growth in pots (COLOMBO et al, 2016). Moreover, the low density of this substrate is an interesting characteristic to provide lighter pots, which facilitates their handling and transport.…”

Use of substrates and hydrogel to produce desert rose seedlings

“…These affirmations are verified by Colombo et al (2018b) who concluded that desert rose seedlings must be kept in substrates with capacity of water retention superior to 60% of irrigation for their growth not to be compromised. These conditions, in fact, were not provided to the plants dues to the watering shifts adopted, suggesting that the use of hydrogel in different doses was not sufficient to keep the minimum required moisture for the seedlings growth.…”

“…It is worth mentioning that, in addition to the premises required for a good substrate, substrates should be made with materials locally available or near the production location, since they may represent significant increase in production costs, particularly when commercially used or acquired (Monteiro Neto et al, 2016). The desert rose, for being included in the group of species economically profitable only during the last decade, still counts on incipient information on the production system, and on recommendation of substrates for production of seedlings (Colombo et al, 2018b).…”