Impala Lily

adenium multiflorum

Also known as: ["Impala Lily","Sabi Star","Mock Azalea"]

Family: Apocynaceae Genus: Adenium Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A succulent shrub native to Africa, known for its thick trunk and showy, azalea-like flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Adenium
Botanical Name: Adenium multiflorum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, sunny location or outdoor in frost-free garden
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Fragrance Lovers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C, tolerates brief dips to 10°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining; critical to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Sandy, well-draining mix (e.g., cactus/succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand).
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning annually; major shaping every 2–3 years; remove deadwood as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; can handle significant shaping but avoid excessive removal in one session.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours direct sunlight daily); tolerates intense light but benefits from slight shade in extreme heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; place in brightest window indoors; avoid sudden light changes.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil (root rot); yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage); stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or compacted soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains in extreme heat; outdoor placement ideal in warm climates.

Watering

every 7–14 days during active growth, reduce to monthly in dormancy

Water thoroughly but infrequently; allow soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.

Soil

well-draining, sandy cactus mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use pots with drainage holes; avoid peat-heavy mixes; topdress with gravel if needed.

Temperature

Warm to hot (20–35°C ideal); tolerates brief dips to 10°C but thrives above 15°C; prefers stable temperatures.

Protect from frost; avoid drafty areas; maintain warmth during dormancy; adjust watering with temperature.

Fertilizing

every 2–4 weeks during active growth, none in dormancy

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Let it callus for 1–2 days.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.
  6. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and growth is active.

Environment

Warm (20–25°C), humid (60–70%), bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.

Medium

Well-draining mix (e.g., cactus mix with perlite or sand); slightly moist but not wet.

Hormone

Recommended (rooting hormone powder or gel) to encourage faster root development.

Timeline

Roots may appear in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife or secateurs, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic bag or propagator.

Quick Tips

Ensure cutting is disease-free; keep medium barely moist; provide bottom heat if possible; avoid disturbing cuttings.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective branch removal; pinch tips to encourage bushiness; cut back to a healthy node.

Pruning Plan

Shape plant, remove dead/diseased growth, encourage branching, maintain compact form.

Tools

Clean, sharp secateurs, pruning saw for thick stems, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune in dry conditions; make clean cuts; remove crossing branches; seal cuts if necessary.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +5–7 cm diameter); ensure proportional to caudex size.

Method

Remove gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; essential for healthy growth due to its caudex.

Checklist

Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; avoid over-potting; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even saturation without pooling; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the roots, avoiding foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth (spring/summer), reducing frequency to every 3–4 weeks in winter when dormant. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.

Soil Improvement

Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to standard potting mix; ensure no water retention.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold; wilting or stunted growth in excessive heat; slowed flowering in temperature stress.

Cold Stress

Stops growth; may enter dormancy; roots susceptible to rot if soil remains wet in cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; reduce watering; provide frost protection if below 10°C; ensure excellent drainage.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch; dehydration; reduced flowering; potential root damage if soil bakes.

Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water early morning or late evening; ensure soil doesn’t dry out completely.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute correctly; apply to moist soil; stop in dormancy; monitor for burn signs.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer (diluted to half strength) every 2–4 weeks during spring/summer; cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Adenium multiflorum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Adenium multiflorum can result from water stress, either due to overwatering causing root rot or underwatering leading to dehydration, both of which impair nutrient uptake and plant stability.

Leaf spots on Adenium multiflorum may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis, defoliation, and weakened plant vigor.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Adenium multiflorum is often caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Adenium multiflorum is toxic to cats due to its cardiac glycoside content, which can cause severe cardiac and gastrointestinal issues. The toxins affect the heart's electrical activity, leading to life-threatening conditions.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy difficulty breathing irregular heartbeat weakness collapse death
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure the plant is inaccessible to cats. If ingestion is suspected, seek emergency veterinary care.
Dogs
Toxic

The cardiac glycosides in Adenium multiflorum are highly toxic to dogs, affecting cardiac function and potentially leading to fatal outcomes. The toxins disrupt normal heart rhythms and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy weakness difficulty breathing irregular heartbeat collapse death
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant out of reach of dogs. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Adenium multiflorum contains toxic cardiac glycosides that can cause severe physiological effects, including heart dysfunction and respiratory distress. The toxins interfere with ion transport in cardiac muscle cells, leading to potentially fatal arrhythmias.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain difficulty breathing irregular heartbeat seizures death
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep all parts of the plant away from children and food preparation areas. In case of ingestion, seek immediate medical attention.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Adenium multiflorum toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Adenium multiflorum?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, especially during dormancy.

Q: Does Adenium multiflorum require full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Quick Reference
Family: Apocynaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–14 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","fragrance lovers"]
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