🌿 Plant Name

Adenium obesum (Desert Rose)

🌸 Description

• Type: Succulent shrub

• Family: Apocynaceae

• Native to: Africa and the Arabian Peninsula

• Appearance:

  • Swollen, bulbous base (caudex) that stores water.

  • Thick stems with glossy green leaves.

  • Produces vibrant pink, red, or white trumpet-shaped flowers.

  • Popular as a bonsai or ornamental plant due to its sculptural form.

🌞 Light Requirements

• Prefers full sunlight (at least 5–6 hours daily).

• Can tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.

💧 Watering

• Water moderately during the growing season (spring–summer).

• Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

• Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant — overwatering can cause root rot.

🌡️ Temperature

• Thrives in warm climates (20–35°C).

• Protect from temperatures below 10°C — it’s sensitive to cold and frost.

🪴 Soil

• Use a well-draining mix (cactus or succulent soil).

• You can mix garden soil, sand, and perlite for better drainage.

🌱 Fertilizer

• Feed every 2–3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

• Avoid fertilizing during dormancy.

✂️ Pruning

• Prune in spring to shape the plant and encourage branching.

• Always use clean, sharp tools.

⚠️ Common Problems

• Root rot: from overwatering.

• Aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites: may attack leaves and stems.

• Yellow leaves: may indicate overwatering or poor drainage.

💮 Propagation

• By stem cuttings or seeds.

• Cuttings root quickly in warm, dry conditions.