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Desert Rose
Adenium obesum
click pics to enlarge
Zone 9-10 or part-time Houseplant Desert Rose is one of our ultra favorite plants. Native to arid areas of Africa including Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda Adenium obesum plants deserve FAR more appreciation
Desert Rose is excellent in pots especially for people who "kill everything" because Adenium lives with little care and can take a good deal of neglect Always at its best with some
attention, your Desert Rose will become larger, more interesting and more
valuable every year. Large specimens can cost $1,000 for older plants
with large bases and a multitude of branches. More branches mean
more flowers which are extremely attractive
Flowers are best during the warm months in Florida, but some flowering can occur any month of the year. Older, better care = more flowers Flowers can be seen in shades of pink, rose white or red in color for conventional USA varieties The coolest hybrids (many dozens of them) are produced in China, Taiwan and Thailand, and some in India, like these below we enjoy in our personal desert rose collection
Desert Rose is a succulent bush with thick fleshy branches. The 'obesum' name refers to the large fat base of the plant. Here is a perfect specimen of the Desert Night Fork variety
Desert Rose plants from seed develop vastly the best character with no two plants alike in shape. When your seed pod is fully ripe on the plant, it will split open revealing seeds with beautiful "wings" so that seeds will quickly blow away
Seeds like those above (naturally fresh ripe) should be planted ASAP for maximum germination percentage. As with all seeds, plant at depth of seed in high quality pro mix (peat moss based) sterile soil. Keep soil top lightly moist and locate outdoors in hot weather and bright light for quickest germination (4-25 days) depending on freshness and variety Many USA growers use branch cuttings for propagation which results in an inferior plant in appearance as the base never develops properly (obese / fat) The Adenium obesum produces bean-like seed pods very similar to its cousin, the Madagascar palm's pods, but much thinner The leaves are a glossy green and semi-deciduous, depending on your care and your climate outdoors Rarely, one sees variegated desert rose leaves If left without added water and no rain for a long time or after a cold night, your desert rose can lose most or all of its leaves. Never fear, they will re-grow after watering or after warm weather returns. Here is a flower picture in late February 2004 in South Florida, but the Desert Rose has lost 100% of its leaves. If caterpillars defoliate your plant, it's leaves will re-grow anew Position Desert Rose in full sun or some afternoon shade for best flowering, but use even less water in partial shade conditions. Select an acid soil mix with plenty of peat moss and organic elements and coarse sand. Be certain the soil mix and the pot drain very well Desert Rose responds amazingly well to food so use plenty of time release pellet food. Growth will be much faster and flowers will be more prolific as well. With a very well drained soil and pot and with quality fertilizer available, you can water often to stimulate maximum growth and flowering Each is an individual. This baby we grew from seed (below) has been fed only once and already wants to join its big blooming brothers
From time to time your Rose will be attacked by aphids. Use a water spray or soap solution to keep it clean of pests. Never use chemicals (although we use pyrethrum spray [organic] for caterpillars) Conventional garden center Desert Rose plants are OK starter plants, but the Far East has the jump on the USA for great hybrids. We have two named hybrid collections... To see or purchase fabulous live plant hybrids, click here To see or purchase dozens of hybrid seeds, click here |
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