Easy-care succulent with a "baobab" shape and many pink flowers

The Desert Rose, Adenium obesum, stores water in its thick, short trunk to survive dry seasons. At the beginning of the rainy season, it blooms with many pink flowers that resemble roses, hence the name Desert Rose.

Despite looking like a bonsai, it requires no special care to maintain its beautiful shape; it naturally grows as a miniature tree without time-consuming pruning. The most common flower color is various shades of pink, but there are varieties with everything from white to yellow, purple, and dark crimson flowers.

Botanical description

Adenium obesum is native to the Sahel regions south of the Sahara (from Mauritania and Senegal to Sudan), tropical and subtropical East and Southern Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Adenium belongs to the same family as the more familiar houseplant Nerium (oleander). Comparing their appearance, one can see similarities in the appearance of the leaves and partly also the flower shape, although the desert rose's flowers are usually significantly more lavish in both color and form.

The plant produces a sap in its roots and stems that contains cardiac glycosides. This sap is used as arrow poison for hunting big game in large parts of Africa.

Care

Water only moderately and allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings. Plant in substrate that drains quickly, e.g., special cactus soil or potting soil mixed 1:1 with perlite.

Fertilize once a month with cactus or succulent fertilizer. If you repot regularly, fertilization is usually not necessary.

Water less in winter and protect the plant from dry radiator air. It is normal for it to lose many leaves during winter as it goes dormant. In spring, when the first growth activities start, water moderately again and repot if necessary.

Thrives in full sun and warm temperatures. Ideal temperature 20-35°C during the growing season, at least 10-15°C in winter. Buy Desert Rose online!