Adenium obesum subsp. somalense

Adenium obesum subsp. somalense key facts

Growing Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial (little published data on lifespan)

Size

Tree forms reach about 4.5 m in habitat; most cultivated plants are shrubby

Watering

A little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season

Light & Placement

Grow in full sun during the growing season. Seedlings of the tree form grow vigorously, so give plenty of light to prevent leggy stems.

Watering

Water thoroughly once the soil dries while the plant is in leaf. After leaf drop, withhold water and keep it on the dry side until new leaves appear in spring.

Dormancy Care

It has an obligate winter dormancy and may not re-leaf until spring flowering has peaked. Do not increase watering thinking it has died; wait for buds to move.

Temperature & Overwintering

It is frost-tender; overwinter it dry in a warm, frost-free room.

Soil & Repotting

Use a free-draining mix and repot when warm weather starts growth. Take care not to damage the thick roots.

Pests & Cautions

As a member of the dogbane family its sap is toxic. Wear gloves when pruning or repotting and keep it away from children and pets.

About Adenium obesum subsp. somalense

Adenium somalense (Adenium obesum subsp. somalense) has a broad, cone-shaped caudex, pale-veined narrow leaves and flowers under 5 cm across. Care basics for intermediate growers.

7 things to know before growing Adenium obesum subsp. somalense

1. 1Sun and placement

   Adenium somalense grows in dry regions, so give it plenty of sun and good airflow. With too little light the branches stretch and the plant loses its balanced shape. In warm weather keep it outdoors in full sun, and move it under the eaves during long spells of rain.

2. 2Watering rhythm

   Water thoroughly once the soil has dried out completely, until water runs from the drainage hole. The caudex stores water, so soil that stays constantly damp invites root rot. Fertilize lightly during the growing season only, and hold back on both water and fertilizer while the plant is dormant.

3. 3Soil and pot

   Use a fast-draining mix for succulents and caudex plants, with plenty of gritty material such as pumice. A sturdy, stable pot keeps the broad-based caudex from tipping over. Avoid an oversized pot, since a large volume of soil dries slowly, and match the pot to the size of the root system.

4. 4Repotting tips

   Repot when growth restarts in the warm season. Once the roots fill the pot, move up one size, shake off the old soil gently and trim only damaged roots. Setting the top of the caudex slightly above the soil line lets you enjoy the shape of the plant.

5. 5Cold-season care

   This plant dislikes cold, so bring it into a bright indoor spot once the nights start to chill. It may drop its leaves and go dormant in winter, and during that time you should keep it fairly dry and water very sparingly. Leaf drop alone does not mean the plant has died as long as the caudex stays firm.

6. 6Choosing a plant

   Press the caudex gently to check that it feels firm, with no soft or blackened patches. Also look for the traits typical of somalense: a broad-based caudex and narrow leaves with pale veins. If a photo or description leaves you unsure, ask the grower before you decide.

7. 7Shaping and pruning

   In the wild the tree form reaches about 4.5 m, but most cultivated plants stay shrub-like. If the branches get too long, prune during the growing season to keep the plant in scale with its pot. The sap can irritate the skin of some people, so wear gloves and rinse it off if it gets on you.

Frequently asked questions about Adenium obesum subsp. somalense

Q.Can a beginner grow Adenium somalense?

A.It is rated for intermediate growers. Watering balance and winter care take some practice, so start by providing strong light and fast drainage and by keeping the soil on the dry side.

Q.How does it differ from Adenium obesum?

A.The flowers are smaller, under 5 cm across, with slender pointed petals and red streaks running from the throat along each petal. The plant itself also stands out for its broad-based caudex and narrow leaves with pale veins.

Q.How big does it get?

A.Tree-form plants in the wild reach about 4.5 m. Most cultivated plants are shrub-like, and in a pot you can keep the size in check by pruning.

Q.If it drops its leaves, is it dead?

A.It can drop its leaves and go dormant because of cold, dryness or a change of environment. If the caudex is still firm, the plant is not necessarily dead. If the caudex turns soft, suspect root damage and review its placement and watering.

Q.How many years can I keep it?

A.It is a long-lived perennial, but there are few sources that give a specific lifespan. If you keep the light and drainage right and avoid stressing it in winter, you can enjoy watching its form change over many years.

Handy Growing Tools for Adenium obesum subsp. somalense

Learn more about Adenium obesum subsp. somalense in the encyclopedia

More in this category