As a Desert Rose plant (Adenium obesum), I experience the world differently than you do. My thick, caudex stem is a reservoir, a survival strategy honed in arid, sun-baked landscapes. When the days in the United States grow shorter and the temperature begins to drop, a deep, primal signal courses through my sap: it is time to rest. My winter dormancy is not death; it is a necessary, deep sleep to conserve my energy for the glorious growth and blooms of spring. To help me through this vulnerable period, you must understand my needs from my perspective.
I do not follow the human calendar. My trigger for dormancy is a combination of cooler temperatures and reduced light. When nighttime temperatures consistently dip below 50°F (10°C) and the sun's arc across the sky lowers, I get the message. You will see me begin to slow down. My growth ceases, and I may stop producing new leaves. This is your first clue. Do not fight this natural process; attempting to force growth with fertilizer or extra water now will only confuse and potentially harm me, leading to root rot in my cool, damp soil.
As I enter dormancy, I will start to withdraw the green from my leaves, and they will yellow and drop. This is normal and efficient. I am reclaiming valuable nutrients and reducing my surface area to prevent water loss. Since I am not actively growing and the soil takes much longer to dry out, my thirst diminishes dramatically. You must drastically reduce watering. For me, a period of complete dryness is essential. Once my leaves have fallen, water me only sparingly, if at all, just enough to prevent my caudex from severely shriveling. A slightly wrinkled caudex is normal and indicates I am properly resting. Overwatering is the single greatest threat to my life during this time.
I cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. My cells are full of water and will rupture if frozen, causing irreversible damage. Before the first frost, you must bring me indoors. My ideal winter quarters are cool, dry, and bright. A spot in a minimally heated garage, a basement with a window, or a cool room in your house where temperatures stay between 50-55°F (10-13°C) is perfect. This coolness helps me maintain my dormant state. While I do not need the intense, direct sun of summer, some ambient light is beneficial to keep my stems healthy. Please keep me away from drafty windows and hot air vents, as extreme temperature fluctuations can disturb my rest.
During my deep sleep, I will appear as a potted, sculptural stem—my beautiful, bare caudex. Do not be alarmed by this leafless state; it is my intended form for the season. Please, do not fertilize me. My system is shut down and cannot process nutrients, which will only accumulate and salinize the soil. Also, resist the urge to repot me. This is a stressful process that requires energy to recover from, energy I simply do not have right now. The best thing you can do is let me be, monitoring my caudex for extreme desiccation and ensuring my environment remains cool and stable.
