The Desert Rose (Adenium) is a succulent garden plant, just like the cactus plant, and are prized not only for their beautiful flowers, but also for their swollen trunks that make them look like bonsai. They are known popularly as both desert rose and by their botanical name Adenium. Beware their sap as it may cause skin irritation. The Desert Rose is a member of the Apocynaceae family.
The flowers of the desert rose are funnel-shaped, and are available in pink, pinkish, red, white, bi-colour, striped, among others.
Botanical Name
Adenium obesum
Family
Apocynaceae
Type
Garden Plant
Position
Sunny location, plenty of sunlight, and minimum temperature of 10°C. Treat it similar to cacti. The desert rose, as its name suggests, is adapt to low moisture conditions.
Watering
Water sparingly. Desert rose appreciates neutral to hard water. Acidic water may cause root rot. Excess water and overwatering can cause root rot that kills the plant.
Feeding
A good fertiliser regime is required in order to achieve swollen trunks and profuse flowering. Fertilisers should not be applied directly to the roots. Always water slightly first to avoid root burn and leaf drop.
Repotting
Use small pot with excellent drainage. There are potting mix created specially for Adeniums.
Propagation
Desert Rose can be grown by seed or stem cuttings. The highly prized swollen trunks can only be obtained through growing from seed.
Pests and diseases
Overwatering and excess coldness can cause root rot. Pests include mealybugs and scale.
Adenium Photo Album
Light pink Adenium with red center
Bonsai-like pink Adenium with dark red center
Light red Adenium
Snow white Adenium with lemon green throat
Prize-winning Adenium with red edges
Pink Adenium with blood-red streaks and throats of yellow
Pink Adenium with dark red throat
Another shot of the pink Adenium with dark red throat
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