Rosy Adeniums / Desert Rose
Family
Apocynaceae
Origin
Africa & Arabian Peninsula
Description
Adeniums are one of the easiest to grow and most rewarding of the fat plants (caudiciforms). Their adaptability to a broad range of conditions makes them forgiving of less than ideal care. This attribute enables just about anyone to grow and bloom them despite individual climate. Rosy Adeniums have many spectacular hybrids. The basic culture is very similar to orchids
Watering
Adeniums do not like both over-watering and drying-out. They like a neutral to hard water. Acidic water tends to sour the soil too fast and may cause root rot. A small pot with excellent drainage is a must.
Water plants preferably in the early morning, and allow them to drink up throughout the day. Watering can be done daily to every few days. Never allow your plants to sit in a saucer of water, neither allow them to dry out too often - this causes adeniums to go into early dormancy. Add stones to the pot s bottom to ensure comparatively better drainage.
Light
Adeniums, also known as Bangkok kalachuchi , plants require bright sunlight for proper development. If they are growing in cloudy locations, they become spindly and develop less vibrant blooms. Some species can withstand 30-50% shade and the sun can burn their foliage.
Potting Mix
A mix of course sand, coco-peat amended with perlite (3 parts mix to 1 part perlite) is adequate under most conditions to improve aeration and drainage
Fertilizer
To make your plant develop a large swollen base/ trunk, you need a good quality fertilizer. Fertilizer requirement for swelling up trunks is also used to increase flowering. It shouldn't be too high in nitrogen, the middle number should be the highest. Never apply fertilizer directly on roots and do not liquid feed when a plant is thirsty: always water first slightly to avoid root burn and leaf drop.
Landscape Uses
Bosai, Container Plant
