Adenium Tips
Similar in shape to a bonsai, the Adenium is a lovely tropical shrub. The Adenium has a large, fat base with swollen, above-ground roots and striking flowers. Also known as the desert rose, impala lily, mock azalea and Sabi star, this extraordinary flowering plant originates in Arabia and Africa. It is relatively easy to grow and maintain, often as a potted plant or in exotic rock gardens.
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Watering and Feeding an Adenium
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Adeniums do not like to sit in water, so be sure to plant yours in grainy soil that drains well and allow it to dry in between watering. It is best to water your Adenium in the morning so it can soak up the water throughout the day when the extra water will evaporate. Do not wet the leaves or allow the plant to sit in water. Sometimes the caudex, or the base of the plant, will get soft when it needs to be watered.
Avoid watering your Adenium with acidic water, because it can induce root rot. It is much better to water with neutral or hard water. Additionally, feed the Adenium once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer. If your plant is not flowering, using a high phosphorous fertilizer may give it a boost. When fertilizing, it is important to avoid pouring the liquid fertilizer on the roots and fertilizing when the plant is dry. Always water it first and then fertilize. This prevents burning the roots, which will cause the leaves to drop.
Pruning Adeniums
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In the spring, cut off half the plant's branches and prune new shoots consistently throughout the season. This causes the Adenium to grow back with more branches and flowers. Be very careful when pruning, as Adenium sap is extremely poisonous. It is important to keep the sap out of your eyes and off your skin. If you do get it on your skin, wash it off right away.
One of the most popular features of the Adenium, aside from its beautiful flowers, is its oddly shaped roots. To perpetuate this unusual feature, you must slightly raise the plant every time you re-pot it. This exposes more of the roots each time.
Caring for Adeniums in the Winter
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Adeniums are tropical plants that like warmth year-round. They can freeze, even in a greenhouse, so if you live in a cold winter climate keep your Adenium inside in the warmth. Additionally, it should be treated like a cactus during its winter dormancy. The fat, swollen base and the roots of the Adenium store up water for the dry season. So you should only periodically lightly water it on sunny, warm days. Once the threat of a frost is past, move the Adenium back outside for the summer season.
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