Plant Characteristics
Adenium obesum or ‘Desert Rose’ is closely related to the popular Adenium multiflorum or ‘Impala Lily’, but occur throughout many countries in Africa. It produces magnificent bicolor bright-pink and white flowers. It makes an excellent bonsai plant.
Please note plants purchased during winter will not have any leaves, as they are dormant.
Origin and Natural Habitat
The ‘Desert Rose’ is native to many regions in Africa, as well as the Arabian Peninsula.
Care Guide
Light
This species prefers lots of light and should be kept in a sunny spot in the greenhouse, or in an area that receives full sun. Do not keep it shaded as it will etiolate (stretch in search of light).
Soil
Young Adenium obesum prefer a semi-moisture retaining mixture and will benefit from an organic mix, preferably with coco peat and perlite. Once mature, this species should be planted in a well-draining, inorganic mix.
Water
This plant should receive a thorough soaking of water every 10 days during the growing season, as long as the soil is dry. Do not water at all in winter after it has shed its leaves.
Pot size
Adenium are large growing plants with substantial root systems and should be grown in large pots. A young plant will thrive in a 10cm pot, while older individuals should be kept in pots that are roughly 5cm wider than the base of their stems and root system.
Temperature
This species’ ideal temperature ranges between 20 – 30*C. It can tolerate 5 – 35*C. It is however very sensitive to frost.
Humidity
Adenium enjoy humidity during their growing season, but should not be kept in a humid area during dormancy.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during dormancy. Alternatively, a small amount of slow release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing Season
Adenium grow actively in spring and summer and are dormant from late autumn and winter.
In South Africa, their growing season is from September until late March.
Propagation
Adenium are best propagated from seeds. Sow seeds as early as possible in spring. Sow in a medium-depth container in a mix of coco peat, perlite, and vermiculite and cover very lightly with sifted coco peat. Cover the container to preserve humidity. Keep the soil moist until two thirds of the seeds have germinated, thereafter reduce watering slightly, but never let the soil dry completely. Transplant into individual pots after 3-4 months, once seedlings are at least 5cm tall.
Blog Post
Learn more about Adenium obesum in our blog post for this species here.
