Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) 2L Pot
Adenium obesum is a succulent plant grown for its swollen stem base, branching growth and colourful flowers.
Desert Rose develops a thickened caudex that stores water during dry periods. The branches carry clusters of glossy green leaves and can produce trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red or white.
Flower colour and markings will vary naturally in seed-grown plants. Young plants may require several growing seasons before reaching flowering maturity.
In the UK, Desert Rose is best grown as a warm conservatory, greenhouse or houseplant. It requires bright light, free-draining compost and careful winter watering.
Plant Details
Botanical name: Adenium obesum
Common names: Desert Rose, Mock Azalea
Plant family: Apocynaceae
Habit: Succulent, branching shrub with a swollen caudex
Potential height: Approximately 1–1.5 metres under suitable conditions
Foliage: Glossy green leaves
Flowers: Trumpet-shaped flowers in variable shades of pink, red or white
Position: Bright light with protection from intense midday sun under glass
Suitable for: Heated greenhouses, conservatories, bright windowsills and containers
Hardiness: Very tender and not frost hardy
Growing Advice
Grow your Desert Rose in a very free-draining succulent compost. Additional horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite can be added to improve drainage.
Place the plant in a bright, warm position. Plants grown indoors should be acclimatised gradually before being exposed to stronger outdoor summer sunlight.
Water thoroughly during active growth and then allow the upper compost to dry before watering again. Never leave the pot standing in water, as cool and wet compost can cause root or caudex rot.
Feed lightly during spring and summer with a balanced or specialist cactus and succulent fertiliser.
Desert Rose may lose some or all of its leaves during winter. Keep the plant warm, preferably above approximately 15°C, and reduce watering considerably while growth is dormant or slow.
Resume watering gradually when new growth appears in spring.
Flowering in the UK
Desert Rose can flower in the UK when provided with sustained warmth and strong light.
Seed-grown plants are naturally variable and may produce different flower colours and markings. Flowering time will depend on maturity, temperature and light levels and cannot be guaranteed.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one Desert Rose plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.
Caudex shape, branching, leaf growth and future flower colour will vary naturally between seed-grown plants.
Important Information
All parts of Desert Rose are harmful if eaten. The plant produces a milky latex sap that may irritate the skin and eyes.
Wear gloves when pruning or repotting. Avoid contact with the sap and wash your hands and tools after handling.
Keep the plant securely away from children and pets.