Wax rose profile

Wax rose, also called Pereskia bleo, is an evergreen semi-vine of the genus Cactus in the family Cactus. Wax rose (Pereskia bleo) is native to Colombia and is a primitive member of the family Cactus. Wax rose (Pereskia bleo) is also the only cactus plant with leaves. Wax rose can be used as a pot plant for ornamental purposes and can also be processed into a variety of artistic flower hedges and flower racks. Wax rose is commonly used for wall greening in southern China with excellent effect.

Wax rose picture

Morphological characteristics of wax rose

Wax rose (Pereskia bleo) is a shrub or vine in shape. Plant height is generally 6~7 meters, the highest up to 15 meters. The branches are stronger, the stem is smooth, the section is obvious, although fleshy, but easy lignification. There are several dark brown long sharp spines in leaf base axils. Leaf blade is fleshy and hypertrophic, short stiolate, glossy waxy, entire, bright green. Racemes of wax rose are terminal, flowers light purple red, radiate, 5-6 cm in diameter. Wax Rose has a strong nature and likes a warm and humid environment. It has strong drought resistance and is not cold resistant. Wax Rose likes both sun and shade and can tolerate barren barren. If planted in ordinary rural soil, the leaves will flourish. Most areas in South China can be open cultivation, and the north can be potted ornamental.

Origin of habitat

Wax rose (Pereskia bleo) is native to Colombia and Panama. It has been introduced and cultivated in most areas of South China. Growing in sandy river margins in tropical evergreen forests and secondary forests at an altitude of 1300 m. Wax rose is strong, like a warm and humid environment, drought resistance is strong, not cold resistance, both shade and light, endure barren, soil quality is not very strict requirements. If planted in ordinary rural soil, the leaves will flourish. Most areas in South China can be open cultivation, and the north can be potted ornamental.

Wax rose growing method

Wax Rose (Pereskia bleo) is a hardy animal that likes warm and humid environments. It has strong drought resistance and is not cold resistant. Wax Rose likes both sun and shade and can withstand barren soil. Most areas in southern China can be cultivated on the open ground, the north can be potted ornamental.

Potted soil requirements: Potted Wax rose (Pereskia bleo) should be planted in a loose, well-drained sandy culture soil rich in humus. Before planting, some crushed horseshoes can be placed in the bottom of the pot as a base fertilizer.

Water management: Wax rose (Pereskia bleo) is drought tolerant and should be watered thoroughly while it is growing, keeping the soil moist. Water the plant every 10 to 15 days, but only dry water should be used.

Fertilizer Management: Wax rose (Pereskia bleo) is a succulent, fattening plant that can be grown with topdressing of decomposed organic liquid fertilizer every two and a half months. If the water and fertilizer are properly managed and the temperature is suitable, the flowering period can be from spring to the end of autumn.

Pruning management: Potted Wax rose (Pereskia bleo) plants can be treated at a height of 10 to 15 cm to encourage multiple lateral branches. Proper pruning and binding will give them a well-balanced and plump plant and a graceful posture.

Temperature Management: Wax rose (Pereskia bleo) plants should be kept indoors at a temperature above 10°C in winter. If the temperature is below 6°C, the leaves will fall off and enter the dormant phase. The lignified stems will not freeze to death.

Replanting management: Wax rose (Pereskia bleo) grows slowly, so pot plants should be replanted every 2 to 3 years to ensure robust growth.

Wax Rose propagation method

Wax rose (Pereskia bleo) cutting propagation is different from other succulents. Wax rose cutting propagation has a high success rate during the high temperature season. Take 1 to 2 years old strong branches, cut the branches into about 10 cm long, with leaf segments for cuttings. The cut-off can be dipped in plant ash or dried in a cool and ventilated place. Put the cuttings in clean sand at an Angle, 3 to 5 cm deep is appropriate. After shading and keeping the environment moist, about 15 days or so can be rooted, a month or so can be divided.

The main value of wax rose

Wax rose (Pereskia bleo) can be used as a pot plant for ornamental purposes and can also be processed into a variety of artistic flower hedges and flower racks. Wax rose is commonly used for wall greening in southern China with excellent effect.

In Colombia, it is used as a natural hedge, and crushed leaves have been used to clarify drinking water. In Malaysia, leaves are used to treat cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, rheumatism and inflammation-related diseases. Use the leaf decoction as a warm bath to treat muscle soreness.