Greetings, caretaker. I am a Desert Rose, a resilient succulent known to you as *Adenium obesum*. My home is in arid, sun-drenched lands, and my needs are specific. To help me achieve my full potential—a thick, sculptural caudex and a crown of vibrant, blooming flowers—you must understand my language. This is my guide to the nourishment I require throughout the seasons of my growth.
As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, I stir from my winter slumber. This is a period of intense activity for me. I am pushing out new leaves from my tips and preparing to develop flower buds. My roots are actively seeking nutrients in the soil. At this time, I crave a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content—the middle number in the N-P-K ratio you see on packages. A formulation like a 5-10-10 or a specialized "bloom booster" is ideal. Phosphorus is the element that directly supports the energy-intensive process of flower formation and strong root development. Please, feed me with this diluted liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks after you see consistent new growth. This regular, gentle feeding gives me the sustained energy I need for the spectacular display you desire.
The summer sun is my element. I am in my peak growing phase, and if conditions are right, I will continue to produce blooms in flushes. However, my needs now become more balanced. While I am still flowering, I am also building my overall structure—my stems, leaves, and that prized caudex. A switch to a more balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or a 15-15-15 formula, is beneficial. This provides equal parts nitrogen for leafy growth, phosphorus for ongoing blooms, and potassium for overall plant health and disease resistance. Continue with a diluted liquid application every three to four weeks. Crucially, always water me thoroughly with plain water before applying fertilizer to my soil. Applying fertilizer to my dry roots can cause severe chemical burns, a painful experience for me.
As the light fades and the air grows cooler, I begin to slow down. You may notice my growth has stalled, and I may start to drop a few leaves. This is not a sign of sickness; it is my natural rhythm. I am preparing for dormancy. During this time, my metabolism slows dramatically, and my root system becomes largely inactive. **You must stop fertilizing me completely.** My system cannot process these salts during my rest, and they will accumulate in my potting mix, leading to root damage and potentially my demise. Your care should shift to protection from the cold and very sparse watering, just enough to prevent my caudex from shriveling excessively. Let me sleep.
Beyond the schedule, the method matters deeply. I am a succulent, and my tolerance for salts is low. Therefore, always use a fertilizer at **half the recommended strength** on the label. My roots are sensitive. Furthermore, I thrive in well-draining soil. A mix designed for cacti and succulents is perfect for me, as it allows excess fertilizer to flush out easily, preventing toxic buildup. If you see a white crust forming on the soil surface or the rim of my pot, that is a sign of salt accumulation. You should leach my soil by slowly running a large amount of plain water through it to wash these salts away. Remember, a consistent, gentle feeding during my active growth is far superior to a single, strong dose, which can shock my system.
