From my perspective as a Desert Rose (Adenium obesum), my internal calendar is governed by temperature and light, not the dates on a human calendar. I am a succulent native to the arid, sub-Saharan regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. My entire biology is engineered for heat, sun, and well-drained soil. I do not possess the cold-hardiness of temperate zone plants. When temperatures begin to drop consistently below 50°F (10°C), my metabolic processes start to slow down significantly. This is the initial signal that my dormant period is approaching. Prolonged exposure to these cooler temperatures makes me vulnerable, as my cells can be damaged by the cold, leading to soft, mushy tissue—a condition you know as rot.
The most crucial signal for you to act upon is the nighttime low temperature. I cannot stress this enough: you must bring me inside before the first frost is forecast. Frost is a death sentence for my tender tissues. A more conservative and safer guideline is to move me when nighttime temperatures begin to consistently hover around 45-50°F (7-10°C). While I might survive a brief, singular dip slightly lower, it is a tremendous risk. The cooler soil temperatures that accompany these chilly nights are equally dangerous. My roots, which are plump with stored water, are highly susceptible to rot when sitting in cold, damp soil. This root rot can set in quickly and often goes unnoticed until it is too late to save me.
Abrupt change is stressful for any plant. The transition from your sunny patio to the indoor environment should not be a sudden shock. Ideally, about a week or two before the anticipated move, you should begin to prepare me. First, give me a thorough inspection. Look closely under my leaves and along my stems for any signs of pests like spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs. It is far easier to treat an infestation outdoors than to fight one that has spread to your other houseplants. Secondly, you should significantly reduce, and then completely stop, watering. This encourages me to use up the water in my caudex (my swollen trunk) and signals my system to wind down for dormancy. It also ensures I enter my winter home with dry soil, drastically reducing the risk of root rot.
Once inside, I do not need a tropical paradise. I need a cool, bright, and dry rest. Please do not place me near a heat vent or fireplace; the hot, dry air will confuse me and may encourage weak, etiolated growth. A location that remains cool, ideally between 55-65°F (13-18°C), is perfect. This coolness helps maintain my dormancy. I still crave as much direct sunlight as you can provide—a south-facing window is ideal. During this dormant period, I require very little water. You should only provide a small amount of water every 4-6 weeks, just enough to prevent my caudex from shriveling excessively. My leaves will yellow and drop; this is a normal part of my rest cycle and is not a cause for alarm. I am simply conserving energy until the warmth and long days of spring return.
