Adenium obesum aka Desert Rose

Taxonomy

Adenium obesum, also known as Desert Rose, is a tropical succulent plant that belongs to the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. It is native to the Sahel regions south of the Sahara, eastern and southern Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. This poisonous plant contains toxic cardiac glycosides in its sap, which is used as arrow poison in Africa for hunting large game. Commonly known as Sabi star, kudu, mock azalea, impala lily, and desert rose, Adenium obesum is a popular houseplant and bonsai in temperate regions. It is a great addition to your garden if you live in a warm climate and a beautiful ornamental plant if you have a sunny spot inside the house. During summer until late October, it blooms with multiple flowers that vary in color, from pink to purple, orange, or yellow. The plant requires less care than a bonsai and is extremely rewarding during the blooming season. While gardeners may be intimidated by its care routine, following the instructions will ensure a long-lasting flowering tree. In its natural habitat, Adenium obesum can grow up to 16 ft tall, but when adopted in a garden, it will grow between 12 inches and 9 feet. It sheds its leaves during winter but comes back stronger in spring.

Common names

Desert Rose, Impala Lily

How to care for Desert Rose

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Desert Rose, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Desert Rose does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To keep your Desert Rose healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Desert Rose prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Desert Rose plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Desert Rose is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

Desert Rose thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The Desert Rose is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Desert Rose as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Desert Rose’s native range is Africa and the Middle East.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Desert Rose with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia