Succulents do look attractive however some of them look even more attractive. Desert Rose is one of the perfect choices to add an exotic touch to homes. It is a must-know plant for its unique character or its miniature tree look and bright red-magenta colors. The beautiful plant may have started to be used as a houseplant over the years, yet it has never lost its character belonging to the wild while coloring the spaces in planters in homes. Let us introduce you to this charming plant to help you get to know it better.
General Information
Adenium obesum is a species of flowering plant which belongs to tribe Nerieae of subfamily Apocynoideae of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical eastern and southern Africa, the Middle East, Madagascar, also the Arabian Peninsula. It can be a lovely annual (in the north) or perennial (in frost-free areas) landscape plant when planted in the landscape, but it’s also thrilling to have it as a tropical plant for containers in gardens or balconies. Apart from gardens or balconies, it can grow indoors yet it is common only in cooler zones.
Desert Rose is known for being is a highly low-water and slow-growing plant, only growing about 30 cm in a year. Its look is very reminiscent of a bonsai, with a strong, swelling trunk (which stores water during droughts) and shiny green leaves. The spectacular, trumpet-shaped flowers, which come in colorful colors varying from pink, white to magenta, and bright red are another true attraction for plant lovers. Also, they are toxic to pets, so not advisable for pet owners.
How to Care for Adenium Obesum
As mentioned before, the plant has started to be used in homes, yet never lost its character in the wild. So, by a simple definition, it does love plenty of direct sunlight, warmth, and well-drained soil.
Sunlight
Adeniums are literally sun-lovers. The desert rose flowering plant grows best in environments that mimic their natural environments which are desert settings and will bloom beautifully when exposed to full, bright sun.
Watering
The ideal is to water regularly throughout the growing season, which is spring and summer. When the cold weathers arrive, a more sparing watering will be enough. The most crucial thing to remember in this step is that: The roots should never become completely soaking. In container plants, it will be beneficial to check the soil every few days during the growing season. Water the plant slowly and carefully if it is completely dry. The important point is to do the watering by saturating the soil but never soaking it. It basically means: There should be no water left and the soil should be moist but not wet. Using a well-drained soil mix and letting it dry completely before watering it again are other critical points when it comes to watering.
Let us remind you of another critical point: It is better to protect the plant from heavy rains.
Humidity
Adeniums do not seek humidity since they are naturally accustomed to dry, hot conditions.
Temperature
These plants love to be in hot environments with temperatures of at least 21°C, while thriving best in temperatures of up to 37° C. They would die if exposed to frost and temperatures under 10°C before long.
Soil Type
This plant, as its name suggests, is adapted to naturally dry, desert-like environments, which means well-draining sandy or gravelly soil. Well-drained soils work the best for them to thrive.
Fertilizing
When it comes to fertilizing, It’s a good idea to provide the plant with a light feeding of slow-release fertilizer or alternatively a water-soluble liquid fertilizer moderately during the growing season. Botanists recommend providing a diluted by half fertilizer once every couple of weeks in the springs. It is beneficial to reduce this to once a month during the summers. When the cold arrives, the best is to completely stop feeding the plant so it can rest for the winter.
Propagation
Branch cuttings and seeds are the main methods to propagate desert roses. If you choose to propagate the plant from a branch cutting rather than seed, the new plant may not have the same bulbous trunk as the original one. If you choose to propagate from seed, remember that: The best season to sow its seeds is the spring.
Common Problems
Desert Rose is not a highly problematic plant yet there are points to highlight: In case growing conditions are not ideal for the plant, it reduces its natural defenses, and pests or diseases creep in before long.
Apart from undesirable pests and diseases, root rot is another common issue with this plant. It is necessary to underline the importance of avoiding overwatering. Water is stored in the thick roots of these plants. They don’t require or desire to stand in water, so when it is time for watering, remember that: It’s far preferable to err on the side of underwatering. That means: It is necessary to water sparingly and check that your plant’s drainage system is performing well.
Suggestions For Problems
Yellowing leaves or abrupt leaf loss are classic symptoms of root rot. Root rot is mostly caused by a fungus. You might be able to rescue the plant if you notice it before it is too late. Damaged leaves and stems must be removed, and the root ball must be unpotted. The process goes on with cutting away the damaged roots by using a sharp knife if you find any charred, mushy roots. Apply a fungicide according to the instructions on the package. The last step could be replanting the remaining roots in a well-draining potting mix.
