can you water desert rose plants in cool weather
1 The desert rose only needs watering when the soil feels dry. 2  In the winter, it only needs water every three or four weeks. 3  This lets it be dormant so it can bloom better in the springtime [source: Sidhe 4  ]. The desert rose can be fertilized once a month in the spring and summer. A layer of gravel below the soil and another above it helps prevent stem rot [source: Plant Care 2  ]. The desert rose can be grown from seeds or from stem cuttings. 3  Let the stem cuttings dry out before planting.