Hello,

I have several small desert rose plants that I grew from seed as I was living in Doha, Qatar. They grew like weeds and were in top condition - they were outside in the blazing sun and I only had to water them occaisionally.

I moved back to Bavaria , Germany last summer with my little plants and have them on a south facing window sill. They are not happy however - the leaf tips turn yellow and then brown and any new leaves are very small and misshapen. I have looked in the internet but have been unable to find this sort of problem! They are not overwatered and the caudex looks healthy.

I would welcome any advice. :-)

Hmm i guess it could be because the sun intensity different in Germany.

They are semi-dormant. Once the temperatures are warming a bit more in your area, take them outside and grow them warm and sunny. They will perk up just fine and leaf out properly again.

Today is really warm and sunny so I have put them outside - i hope they recover!

Changes in light are never good for plants. Individual leaves are adapted to the available light at the time they emerge. When the light changes significantly (up or down) subsequently, those older leaves are subject to discoloration due to the change in light. The good news is that new leaves that emerge will be adapted to the available light at that time.

I suggest that you find a very sunny windowsill where you can keep it year round. The older discolored leaves will not improve, but new leaves will be fine as long as you water properly and don't move the plant in and out to where the light is much more intense.

I agree that an outdoor position would probably make the plant happier, but make the adjustment gradually rather than going straight into direct overhead sun. These plants love the sun and they love warmth. They also go through moods and don't look great when they are feeling cranky. Probably extra moody after a big move. But all that will pass in due time, given warmth and light. Be careful not to overwater indoors.

Thanks for the advice!