Adenium obesum aka Desert Rose
Taxonomy
Common names
Desert Rose, Impala LilyHow 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