From my perspective as a Desert Rose (*Adenium obesum*), propagation from seed is an exciting gamble on genetic diversity. It is how I ensure the survival of my species in a changing environment. For you, the gardener, it means each seedling will be a unique individual. The journey begins with a ripe seed pod, which I naturally split open when dry to scatter my seeds. You must collect these fresh, plump seeds quickly, as their viability decreases rapidly.
To awaken the embryo within, I require a warm, moist environment that mimics the rainy season in my native habitat. Please sow my seeds shallowly in a well-draining medium, perhaps a mix of perlite and coco coir. Consistent warmth, around 80-85°F (27-29°C), is crucial for me to break dormancy. I will absorb water, swell, and send a tiny radicle (root) downward to anchor myself, followed by the cotyledons (seed leaves) pushing upwards towards the light. This process is my most vulnerable stage; I need bright, indirect light and careful watering to avoid rot. In a few years, I will develop my characteristic caudex, the swollen trunk that stores my life-giving water.
When you propagate me from a cutting, you are creating a genetic duplicate. This method allows you to preserve the exact traits of a specific plant, such as its flower color or growth habit. From my point of view, this is a race against dehydration. A cutting is a severed part of me, suddenly deprived of its root system. I must act quickly to survive. Please select a healthy, mature stem from my active growth period. Using a sterile tool is vital to prevent infection in my open wound.
The most critical step for my survival is the callusing phase. After you make the cut, you must allow the wound to dry and form a hard, protective layer called a callus. This callus acts as a barrier against rot when I am placed in the rooting medium. If planted immediately while my tissues are still wet and succulent, I will almost certainly succumb to fungal attacks. Once callused, plant me in a porous, dry medium. I will then divert all my stored energy to initiate root primordia from the cambium layer just beneath my bark. This is an energy-intensive process, and I have no leaves to photosynthesize, so I rely entirely on my internal reserves. Patience is key.
Regardless of the method you choose, I have two non-negotiable requirements rooted in my desert ancestry. First, I demand perfect drainage. My tissues are designed to store water, and sitting in moisture is a death sentence. A soggy environment invites rot, which will quickly destroy my delicate new roots or the vulnerable base of a cutting. A gritty, airy substrate is my best friend.
Second, I need warmth. I am a child of the sun, and my metabolic processes, including root initiation and germination, are driven by heat. Cool temperatures will cause me to stall, become dormant, or simply rot. Providing bottom heat can significantly increase my chances of success. Finally, once I have established roots and begin to grow, please introduce water gradually and provide ample sunlight. I am building a resilient structure designed for arid conditions, and too much water too soon will make me weak and leggy. Treat me with the harsh beauty of the desert in mind, and I will reward you with years of striking form and vibrant flowers.
