Question

Desert Rose Hi,

It looks like my desert rose is dying.  It's in a clay pot with quick draining cactus soil.  II only water it when it is dry.
It is getting about 4 hours of after noon sun. It has light spots all over and the bottom leaves are falling off.
Do you know what the problem is?

Thanks for your help
Betty

Answer
Hi Betty,  The white spots look like they could be the growth from a fungus but each is produced by a scale insect. When more than just a few in number, they cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop. Over time this can cause the plant to decline.  You need to use an insecticide for scale insects or try a product called Atomic Grow which is organic and will make your plant healthy so bugs go away.  It will also make your plant bloom more.  You do not say where you are but I water ours more often than that a light watering on the soil maybe 2 or 3 times a week.  As you are giving it the hottest sun that could also cause a problem.  kathy