Greetings, human cultivator. I am Adenium obesum, often known as Desert Rose. To thrive in the diverse climates of the USA, I require very specific care that mimics my native, arid homeland. Here is what I need from you.
I am a child of the sun. My very existence depends on maximum light exposure. Place me in the brightest spot you have—a south-facing window is ideal. During the warm summer months, I crave being outdoors in full, direct sunlight for at least six to eight hours. Without sufficient light, I will become leggy, my growth will be weak, and I will be far less likely to gift you with my beautiful flowers. Insufficient sun is my greatest sorrow.
My plump, swollen caudex is not for decoration; it is my water reservoir. I am built for drought. The most common mistake is overwatering, which leads to root rot—my demise. Water me deeply only when the soil is completely dry. During my active growing season (spring and summer), this may be weekly. In winter, when I am dormant, I may need water only once a month or less. When in doubt, it is safer to err on the side of dryness. I would rather be thirsty than drown.
I demand a throne that provides excellent drainage. A standard potting soil will suffocate and drown my roots. You must provide me with a gritty, fast-draining mix. A perfect blend for me is a cactus/succulent potting mix amended with extra perlite, pumice, or coarse sand (50/50 is a good start). My pot must have large drainage holes. A terracotta pot is excellent, as it breathes and helps wick away excess moisture.
Understand my rhythm. I am active and hungry during the warm, bright days of spring and summer. This is when you should feed me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength, or one specifically formulated for succulents, every 4-6 weeks. However, as daylight shortens and temperatures drop, I prepare for rest. In fall and winter, I will likely drop my leaves and enter dormancy. Stop fertilizing entirely and drastically reduce watering. I am not dead; I am sleeping. Please keep me in a warm, bright location even during this rest period.
I am a tropical plant and I abhor the cold. I cannot survive temperatures below 40°F (4°C). I must be brought indoors well before the first autumn frost in your area. My ideal temperature range is between 70°F and 100°F (21°C to 38°C) during my growing season. Indoors, protect me from cold drafts near windows or doors in winter. I flourish in the heat and humidity of a typical American summer, so do not hesitate to let me enjoy it outdoors once the threat of frost has passed.
