The desert rose (Adenium obesum) is a striking plant with swollen
succulent stems and deep red flowers. The plant is deciduous in cooler
winters, but it can be kept in leaf provided there is sufficient warmth
and light water. There is no part of these plants that doesn't command
interest, from the dramatically swollen stems on older plants to the
bright flowers to the tight clusters of narrow, green leaves. Beware,
though, the sap of the desert rose is poisonous and should never come
into contact with children or pets. If you get sap on yourself while
handling the plant, wash your hands immediately.
Growing Conditions:
Light: Full sun. Perfect for a sunny window.
Water: Water during the summer and spring. Reduce water in the winter, but keep hydrated enough to retain its leaves.
Temperature: Keep at least 50º at all times; if you keep temperatures of 60º or higher during the winter, the plant may retain its leaves.
Soil: A well-drained succulent mix, with an ideal pH around 6.0 (slightly acidic).
Fertilizer: Fertilize during spring and summer with controlled-release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer according to label directions.
Water: Water during the summer and spring. Reduce water in the winter, but keep hydrated enough to retain its leaves.
Temperature: Keep at least 50º at all times; if you keep temperatures of 60º or higher during the winter, the plant may retain its leaves.
Soil: A well-drained succulent mix, with an ideal pH around 6.0 (slightly acidic).
Fertilizer: Fertilize during spring and summer with controlled-release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer according to label directions.
Propagation:
Typically by seed. If your
plant develops a seed pod, plant the seeds as soon as possible after the
pod ripens to maximize chances of germination. The desert rose can be
propagated from branch cuttings, but these plants often fail to develop
the characteristic (and highly desired) bulbous stem.
Repotting:
Repot
as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent,
make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the plant
from the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to
remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a
fungicide and antibacterial solution. Place the plant in its new pot and
backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave
the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce
the risk of root rot.
Varieties:
Adenium
belongs to the genera Apocynaceae, which is native to Africa, the Middle
East and Madagascar. The desert rose (A. obesum) is the only Adenium
found in wide cultivation, although it has been hybridized extensively
to obtain different flower colors, including orange, white, striped and
the traditional red.
Grower's Tips:
These
are not difficult plants to grow well, provided they get enough
sunlight and warmth. Like all succulents, they cannot tolerate sitting
in water, and if you err, do it on the side of too little water. Use a
specialized soil mix designed for succulents and cacti.
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