Desert Rose

Adenium obesum is the scientific name of the commonly known Desert Rose. This succulent is found in parts of Africa and Madagascar and resembles a small tree due to the succulent trunk and a gnarly root system that develops as the plant matures. Desert Rose is popular for bonsai because of its slow growth and annual blooms in the summer. This succulent can grow outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10-12, reaching a height of 6-9 feet.

Best Locations For Growing Desert Rose

The best location in the house is a window with southern exposure for at least 6 hours. This is a succulent that requires full sun but not any extra humidity. Place Desert Rose in a location with a constant temperature between 68-90 degrees F with no drafts from doors or windows. Any temperatures below 50 F will damage this desert plant, with freezing temperatures killing it altogether. Do not put Desert Rose in a room where children or pets can access it. All parts of Adenium obesum are highly poisonous.

Desert Rose Sunlight Requirements

Desert Rose requires direct sun for at least half of the day, ideally in a southeast or south-facing window. Desert Rose growing outdoors needs protection from the sun during mid-day. The strong light will bleach the leaves and scorch any blooms.

Desert Rose Care

Desert Rose is treated like any other succulent when potting or repotting. The soil should be very dry before taking the plant out of its container. Gently knock off any soil on the roots and remove any damaged or dead roots before repotting in a larger container. Use a potting mix for cactus and succulents, and do not water the plant for one week after repotting. This will reduce the stress on the root system. Leaving Desert Rose in a small pot will restrict its overall growth, which is beneficial for Bonsai or just keeping the overall size manageable.

Watering Desert Rose

Desert Rose will require different watering schedules depending on whether it is actively growing or dormant. During the spring and summer, the Desert rose is growing and preparing to bloom. Watering must be done regularly, letting the whole pot dry out in between. Using a terracotta pot with ample drainage holes will allow the potting soil to dry out faster. Watering will need to be dramatically reduced when Desert Rose loses its blooms and goes into dormancy in the fall. Water sparingly once a month at that time. The best way to determine if the plant is getting enough water is by the swelling of the trunk. Any withering or shrinking will indicate the need for more water.

Feeding Desert Rose

A liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents can be applied once a month during the active growing period in spring and summer. Use the fertilizer at hal