I have a huge and healthy desert rose but now the branches are much too heavy and is sagging. I would love to know what to do for it and what not to do for it.......... It is not in bloom right now, buds are there so it will be shortly covered with blooms again. Can anyone give advice I've looked everywhere on pruning it only found info on small plants, not this massive. The picture in bloom was taken in July

I like the cascading of the numerous stems. Someone will be along shortly to advise you on pruning and the best time to do it in your area.
@Ursula
@DutchLady1

I would prune hard in early spring; although I also don't mind its current look. But you will get more branches after you prune.

Where are you located, @bevinflorida? Whether you are located in northern or southern Florida (assuming you are in Florida) makes a difference in pruning. In northern Florida it will be going dormant soon, so you wouldn't want to prune now. If you are in southern Florida, and temps are warm all year, you can prune at any time if it is actively growing. If I prune mine, I do it in summer after the first big flush of blooms.

That is a beautiful desert adenium you have there!

bevinflorida,
This is a beautiful specimen plant. I really like the shape of it in the 3rd photo (upright) in bloom.
Definitely would need pruning to try and get it back to that shape. When the branches become so long the plant cannot support the weight and they fall. This can be a natural habit, but continual pruning will give it a more rigid and strong frame work to support.
Carters queary as to where you reside for temperatures and continued growth are very valid. If you find that this plant continues to grow, putting on "New" branch growth, then pruning now will not harm it. It is always best to prune when in active growth. "Active Growth" means branch growth, not just holding it's leaves all year long.
It would need a hard pruning the first time and lighter on subsequent ones. My hope if it where mine would be that the main branches will raise up once some of the growth is removed. They are so resilient and pruning does not harm them.
Let us know your thoughts in regard to your usual growing season.

I am sure you will manage to get it back to your liking in time.
Rick

where would the best part of the branch be to prune? just a a leaf or anywhere?

bevinflorida,
Looking back at this plant. If the one in bloom was taken in July, then this plant has put on tremendous amount of growth since then.
If you prune then do this assuming you have the right climate in order to do now.

If you want the plant to stand upright as it was before? You need to prune it back the branches that hang down over the edge of the pot fairly hard. To atleast the edge of the pot or back inside edge. Leave the branches that are upright and prune them in the Spring when it starts pushing out new branches.

I am a bit surprised at how much long growth it put on in a few months and if you have never prune it even more so?

Rick

You can really prune anywhere - the branches will re-sprout buds somewhere near the ends where you made the cuts. Don't be afraid to prune back hard. You can cut back past all leaf growth and it will be fine. If you don't cut back hard enough and only trim the tips, you will actually compound the drooping problem by increasing the weight at the branch ends with more branchlets and leaves.

Like Rick mentioned, a hard prune now and then smaller "maintenance" trimming later (next year and on) will increase the overall branch strength and structure and give you the shape you seem to be wanting.

Hi Welcome
That is a nice bush. Have you ever up rooted it to look at what is growing underground. It could be interesting. They like to be sort of root bound. Many of use like to raise the caudex every so often to expose a nice shape. What is the width and height of the plant as it is now? I know it is large. Is this the only one you own?
Pruning will be hard but it will be worth it when you do it. More tight branches and more blooms.
Do keep it outside all year?

so thankful for everyones input. I have another small plant (about 10th of the size) but is growing quickly as well. Guess they just love our backyard. full sunlight year round in South Florida. I know it will kill me to prune it but I know it has to be done and hopefully I can do it before any damage happens from the drooping. It is approximately 6 foot across at the widest points and from the root up approx 3 1/2 foot high. I've also added a pic of the pods that I just took off yesterday. This plant produces pods left and right. FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE :)

Oh I love the caudex. Bet there is more underground. This plant is so healthy. I will look nicer after it has a haircut. All those seeds. A self pollinator Hmm

well I did it...... and it was painful but I know the plant has to feel better without all the weight....

Bravo! before you know it, it will be crazy huge again!

i sure hope so, we planted some of the clippings in hopes to keep it going

It definitely has to feel better. It'll be branching and filling back in before you know it.