How to Grow Adenium Obesum
Taking care and growing adenium obesum, a succulent plant more commonly known as Desert Rose, is not challenging, and the plant will reward you with its unusual shape, beautiful deep red to pure white flowers and its tolerance of occasional neglect. Desert Rose plants found at the garden shop are usually grown from seed and similar to the true species found in nature. With the right conditions, adenium obesum can be a fast growing and stunning houseplant.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Plant pot
- Commercial potting soil
- Perlite (sponge rock), small size clean gravel, or clean sand
- Houseplant fertilizer
-
-
1
Select a plant pot that has good drainage, and a saucer that will not retain water that can be absorbed back into the pot. The pot should be slightly larger than the root mass of the adenium obesum plant. Some growers recommend a pot that is in the shape of a shallow bowl, because this shape allows for faster drainage and drying of the soil as well as sufficient room for the roots to grow.
-
2
Thoroughly mix any commercial light mix potting soil with a clean drainage material, such as Perlite, sand or small gravel. Add 1/3 to 1/2 of the drainage material to the potting soil. If you use a peat-based potting soil, the adenium obesum should be repotted every year or two. The adenium obesum is highly susceptible to root rot, and the remedy is to avoid moisture retention in the potted soil.
-
3
Place the adenium obesum in a bright, sunny spot during the spring and summer months for normal growth and flowering. Too much shade will cause the plant to become weak and to not bloom. Adenium obesum thrives outdoors during the warm summer months but are sensitive to cooler weather and frost. In more tropical climates, it can be used in landscaping.
-
4
Provide ample water during the growing season. Although the adenium obesum is drought tolerant and can be left alone for a week or two during the growing season with a well-draining soil mixture, it can also be watered daily. Begin to water less as fall approaches, and the adenium obesum enters its dormant period. While dormant during the winter months, the adenium obesum requires less water to avoid potential root rot, and full sun is not necessary.
-
5
Feed the adenium obesum--at half the recommended label rate--an all-purpose, balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing months. It will not harm the adenium obesum to fertilize once a week during this time as long as the mixture is decreased by half its recommended amount. Fertilizers should not be applied directly to the roots. Always water slightly first to avoid root burn and leaf drop. No fertilizing is necessary during dormancy.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Check for pests like spider mites and mealy bugs, which can appear when moisture conditions are high, particularly with indoor adenium obesum. Any houseplant insecticide spray of your choosing will remedy the problem. Be sure to follow directions. If the pests have caused leaf drop, the adenium obesum will releaf once the mites have been controlled.
Important! Use great care when handling and/or pruning, because all adeniums have highly toxic sap. Do not get sap in your eyes. If you get sap on your skin, wash promptly with soapy water and rinse. Sap from adeniums have been known to cause skin irritation if not promptly washed off. Commercial propagators handle hundreds of plants daily without problems; however, precautions are prudent.
