Florida Foliage House Plant Care: Adenium obesu

Introduction

Adenium obesum as well as its numerous varieties are commonly seen in stores selling garden products. Its vibrant flower displays are with shades of white, red yellow and pink. The flowers average around 2 inches in size and could be double, single, or triple. They must be placed at a high-light location, for 6 hours or more for a long time, so that they can bloom throughout the summer. Adenium Obesum can be a stunning design for decks or a patio. However, it is best to move them inside during the winter.

Common Name: Desert rose

The scientific name is: Adenium obesum

Adenium obesum Apocynaceae (the dogbane family)

Indoor/Home/Office Cultivation Information

Light requirement: Bright sunlight. Adenium obesum won’t flower in poor light conditions.

It is recommended to use a rich Organic peat or bark based Bagged top soil.

The water requirement is to be hydrated often, but avoid allowing the soil to get saturated with water.

Drought tolerance Yes.

Application of fertilizer: Use an infrequent amount of fertilizer in liquid form in accordance with the label of the manufacturer every week during the summer growth season.

Salt tolerance: A little salt tolerance.

Temperature preferences: Hot Tropical 75degF-95degF.

Chill-tolerant (55degF-35degF) Yes, although leaf drop and yellowing could be observed.

Freeze-tolerant (below 32degF) There is no. During winter cold months take water away from Adenium and allow the plant to sit for 3-4 weeks. Flowers and leaves will be able to drop, but this is normal for them. Don’t allow them to get frozen. As temperatures begin to warm up in the spring, you can water them as well as fertilize Adenium. The flowers and leaves will return.

Pests: Mealybugs – Take samples and bring them to the local extension agent at UF/IFAS. They will verify identification and get instructions for treatment.

Outdoor Cultivation Information for Adenium obesum

Planting outdoors all year round: OK for USDA Zone 10B-12 in the Hardiness Zone.

Soil preferences: Well-drained.

Lighting requirements: Bright, bright sunlight for the best flowering.

Requirements for water: Water should be regularly drained however, you must provide drainage.

Drought tolerance Yes.

The fertilizer requirements are to apply an evenly balanced, slow-release pelletized fertilizer in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations in the summer.

Salt tolerance: A little salt tolerance.

The preferred temperature is hot Tropical 75degF-95degF.

Chill-tolerant (55degF-35degF) Yes, although leaf coloration and drop of leaves could occur.

Tolerant to freezing (below 32degF) (below 32degF): No. Check out the note above about winterizing.

Pests: Aphids and Mites. Take the sample and take it and bring it to the local Extension agent to verify that you are dealing with the pest and to receive treatment recommendations.

Origin: Sub-Saharan regions of Africa.

NOTES: Adenium Obesum plants are typically “lifted” (root washed) in order to improve the caudex (Figure 2.). Adenium obesum’s leaves are glossy and dark green in comparison to other Adenium species like A. Swazicum, or A. arabicum, with their velvety, gray-green leaves.

Adenium Obesum “Red” was “lifted” (root washed) multiple times in order to show the effect of sculpturing caudex and roots.