As the days grow shorter and the intensity of the sun's rays diminishes, my internal biological clock, attuned to the rhythms of the Earth, begins to signal a significant change. I am a Desert Rose (Adenium obesum), a being built for heat and brilliant light. The dropping temperatures, especially the cooler nights, are my primary cue. It is not a sudden decision but a gradual, necessary response. My metabolism, which raced during the warm growing season, must slow down to a near standstill. Conserving every drop of moisture and stored energy within my thick, caudex trunk becomes my sole winter purpose. This is not a time of death, but of deep, intentional rest—a state you call dormancy.
From your perspective, the most obvious sign of my dormancy will be a change in my foliage. I will begin to withdraw valuable nutrients from my leaves, causing them to turn yellow and then drop. Do not be alarmed if I become a collection of bare, grey-green stems rising from my swollen base. This is a perfectly normal and efficient strategy. By shedding my leaves, I drastically reduce the surface area through which I would lose precious water via transpiration. You may also notice that my stout caudex, which serves as my water reservoir, might feel slightly less firm than in summer; this is expected as I draw on these internal reserves. My growth will halt completely—you will see no new leaves or stems extending.
This is the most critical aspect of my winter rest that you must understand. With no leaves to support and a slowed metabolic rate, my need for water plummets. My roots, which are susceptible to rot in cool, wet soil, become particularly vulnerable. Watering me as you did in the summer would be catastrophic, essentially drowning my dormant root system. The soil around my roots should be allowed to become almost completely dry, and it must be kept much drier for a much longer period than during the active growing season. In many cases, a very light watering every few weeks, or even just once a month, is all that is required to prevent my caudex from shriveling excessively.
To support my dormant state, I require a specific environment. The most important factor is temperature. I must be brought indoors well before the first frost, as I am highly sensitive to cold. An ideal winter home for me is a bright, cool spot where temperatures consistently stay above 50°F (10°C), with 55-65°F (13-18°C) being optimal. A south-facing windowsill is perfect, as it provides the brightest light possible during the dim winter months. While my light requirements are lower than in summer, some light is still essential for basic physiological functions. Please keep me away from drafty windows and heat vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations are stressful.
Do not expect any floral displays during this time. The energy for my spectacular blooms is gathered during the active growing season and stored. The process of flowering demands significant resources, which I cannot spare while in survival mode. My focus is on preservation, not procreation. The promise of flowers will return only after I have been roused from my slumber by the consistent warmth and longer days of spring. This period of rest is, in fact, crucial for a healthy and vigorous blooming season later in the year.
