Desert Rose is a succulent plant for both indoor and outdoor gardening, sometimes referred to as the adenium obesum. Its blooms, which resemble roses, give it its name.
Do you want to plant a desert rose in your yard but are unsure where to start? Beautiful pink blossoms are the main attraction of this flowering cactus. This website contains all the information you need to know about adenium obesum and how to care for it.
Desert Rose Overview
| Common Name | Desert rose, Sabi star |
| Botanical Name | Adenium obesum |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Mature Size | 3-9 ft. tall, 3-5 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full |
| Soil Type | Sandy, well-drained |
| Soil pH | Natural, Acidic |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Hardiness Zones | 11-12 (USDA) |
Desert Rose Care
The following are the primary maintenance needs for growing desert roses:
- Desert roses require a lot of sunlight and cautious watering.
- The plant prefers consistently warm temperatures.
- Likes sandy soil that drains easily.
Light
A full-sun climate is ideal for the desert rose’s growth. Pick a location for your home that will have enough light all day, such as a sunroom or bright windowsill facing south.
If you can grow desert roses in your location, place the plants outside in a spot that receives some afternoon shade, but not too much shade from larger plants, so as not to burn the foliage.
Soil
Desert roses prefer dry, desert-like soils, as their name suggests. This effectively indicates that they prefer well-draining soils that contain sand or gravel. Because succulent and cactus soil contains essential minerals, it is ideal for these plants.
Make sure your soils have good water drainage before planting. Neutral to slightly acidic is the optimal pH range for Adenium obesum plants. Never let the soil get soggy, because this might lead to root rot in succulents.
Water
During the growing season, keep the desert’s soil mildly wet but never saturated. When adding water to the soil, aim for 100% dryness, and make sure to check on it frequently. Select a container with plenty of drainage holes before planting your desert rose. If the desert rose becomes too moist, it may start to degrade.
When the plant normally becomes dormant in the wild in the autumn and winter, it severely reduces moisture and water only once a month or so. If in doubt, a thick, swollen trunk is an excellent way to make sure your plant is getting enough water.
Temperature and Humidity
Your plant needs warm conditions at all times; extended exposure to temperatures below fifty degrees Fahrenheit will cause it to wither away rapidly. The ideal temperature range for it is between 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is unlikely that any extended frost outside will save it. The desert rose is accustomed to a dry, hot climate; therefore, it doesn’t mind getting wet.
Fertilizer
Although they don’t need a lot of food, desert roses do benefit from regular fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer is your option.
Select a well-balanced fertilizer from the local garden center or retail store. During the growing season, you can apply liquid fertilizer once a month if that’s your preferred method.
The label recommends applying slow-release fertilizers roughly every three months. Don’t fertilize a dormant plant throughout the winter months. Applying the liquid fertilizer evenly across the soil’s surface is important. If liquid fertilizer burns the plant’s leaves, it could become seriously damaged.
Pruning
Sterilize your pruning instruments with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution, and then re-sterilize as you work on each plant. As soon as fresh growth appears, remove any cold-damaged growth. To achieve symmetrical stem growth, trim long, lanky stems.
Cut off branches that cross or rub against other branches, making the cut directly above a leaf node or where the stem connects to another stem.
Propagation
Adenium obesum can be spread via seeds or by chopping off branches. Taking branches off is the most common way to propagate. When a plant is propagated by branching, it will mature noticeably faster. Whatever method you choose, spring is the ideal time to propagate anything.
Cuttings
First, gather your sterilized shears, pots, potting soil, garden gloves, and rooting hormones. To protect your skin from the poisonous sap, start by donning gloves. Using the clean shears, cut a 5- to 6-inch section off the tip of the branch.
To get a callus on the cut end, let the cutting cure for one or two days. Root hormones will promote stronger roots. After filling the pots with potting mix and plenty of water, place the cut end inside.
The cuttings should begin to take root in two to six weeks. Once a plant has grown roots and is showing signs of fresh growth, you can transplant it into a larger pot.
Seeds
The spring is the ideal season to plant seeds. After gathering your pots, fill them with well-draining potting soil. Before planting, if you’d like, you can soak the seeds for a few hours to rehydrate them. Plant one seed in each container at intervals of two inches. Add a thin layer of potting soil over the seeds.
After planting, make sure the seeds are well-hydrated and moved to a warmer location. You can water the seeds or softly sprinkle the dirt once it has dried. Never allow the soil to become wet, as this can hinder growth. Before the seeds sprout, one to ten days should elapse. After sprouting, transplant to a sunny spot.
Common Problems with Desert Rose
When it comes to desert rose plants, infections, and pests are relatively rare. Overwatering is the main issue this plant faces. Unfavourable growth circumstances impair a plant’s natural defenses and encourage the spread of diseases or pests.
Spotting on Leaves
Blisters mimic blisters that powdery mildew has left on the upper leaf surfaces. Growth distortion and a white, powdery substance on the leaves, buds, and stems are examples of potential adverse consequences. Warm days and cool, damp nights tend to disseminate this more frequently.
As directed by the manufacturer’s instructions, mist the plant leaves and apply a fungicide. When stems and branches congregate, prune. Properly spaced plants reduce the likelihood of powdery mildew developing.
Speckling on Lower Leaves
When it comes to desert roses, spider mites are the most frequent pest issue. The leaves speckle as a result of their sucking sap, primarily from the undersides, to obtain food. Leaf speckling progresses to total discoloration and ultimately kills the leaf.
The best way to find spider mites, which are specks, is to toss sick leaves onto a sheet of white paper. Thoroughly spray water on the undersides of every leaf to get rid of a small infestation. You can also control mites using neem oil or insecticidal soap. Apply it to the lower surfaces of the plant, being especially careful with the leaf undersides.
Yellowing Leaves or Leaf Drop
Yellowing leaves or an abrupt loss of foliage are typical indicators of root rot. A fungal infection is the source of root rot, but if you identify it early enough, you might be able to save the plant. After removing any damaged stems and leaves, remove the pot from the root ball.
If you come across any mushy, discoloured, or damaged roots, chop them off with a sharp knife. Sterilized the knife in between cuts. Follow the directions on the package to apply the fungicide. Replant the remaining roots in a potting mix that allows for efficient drainage.
Conclusion
Many strange species of succulents can be cultivated as houseplants indoors or outdoors as bonsai, similar to the desert rose. They may grow to be fairly tall in their natural habitat. Nevertheless, pot size and trimming will let you regulate the height.
Plants around pets and small children should be grown with caution because the entire plant is poisonous. Adenium obesum can survive for many years if given the right conditions, including soil, water, and sunlight.
FAQ
What is the expected duration of their life?
Desert roses have a very long lifespan if given the right care. They have been recognized for centuries. However, bear in mind that they will have a considerably shorter life if exposed to frigid weather.
Is it poisonous to plant desert roses?
It is a fact that this succulent is extremely toxic to horses, dogs, cats, and people. It is advisable to keep kids and dogs away from the plant. When working with succulents, gloves are advised because the sap can be toxic and should not be handled by hand.