Desert Rose
adenium obesum
Also known as: ["Impala Lily","Sabi Star","Mock Azalea"]
Overview
A succulent shrub native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, known for its swollen trunk and showy flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Adenium |
| Botanical Name: | Adenium obesum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot near bright, sunny window or outdoor in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–45°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in extreme heat to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; place in the brightest possible location indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; maximize light exposure during winter.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering significantly during dormancy.
Soil
fast-draining, sandy cactus mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid waterlogged soil; use gritty amendments.
Temperature
Warm temperatures (65–90°F / 18–32°C); prefers stable conditions; tolerates brief heat spikes but suffers in prolonged cold.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain warmth during dormancy.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), none in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Let it callus for 1–2 days.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (75–85°F / 24–29°C), high humidity (60–70%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots may appear in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; maintain humidity; use sterile tools to prevent rot.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective branch removal; cut just above a node or bud; avoid excessive trunk cutting.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage branching, and remove dead or diseased parts to maintain health and aesthetics.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/diseased parts; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove old soil gently; trim any dead roots; plant in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure the caudex is above soil level.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; essential for healthy growth due to its caudex.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; position caudex correctly; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with a finger; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in winter; increase in active growth.
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 allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the soil is completely dry, typically every 7–14 days in summer and every 3–4 weeks in winter. Adjust based on temperature, humidity, and growth phase.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, stunted growth, root rot (cold), or sunburn (heat).
Cold Stress
Stops growth, causes root rot, and may lead to death if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pot; reduce watering; protect from drafts.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or dormancy if temperatures exceed 100°F (38°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid dormant period; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicAdenium obesum is toxic to cats due to its cardiac glycoside content, which can cause severe cardiac and gastrointestinal distress. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe cardiac glycosides in Adenium obesum are highly toxic to dogs, affecting their cardiovascular system and potentially leading to fatal outcomes. Even small amounts can cause severe poisoning.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAdenium obesum contains toxic cardiac glycosides that can disrupt heart function and cause severe physiological effects. The plant's milky sap is particularly potent and can lead to serious health complications if ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Adenium obesum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Adenium obesum?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially during dormancy.
Q: Does Adenium obesum 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 7–10 days during activ |
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