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Adenium (Desert Rose)
BeginnerAdenium obesum
The 'Desert Rose' from Africa and Arabia. Plump caudex with showy pink/red flowers. Ideal caudex starter — develops thick caudex relatively quickly from seed. Extensive Thai breeding programs.
About
Adenium, popularly known as the Desert Rose, is a caudex-forming member of the family Apocynaceae native to the arid regions of eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula; the best-known species is Adenium obesum. It stores water in a swollen, bottle-shaped caudex at the base of the trunk to endure long dry seasons, and during the growing season it produces showy funnel-shaped flowers in pink, red, or white. The glossy oval leaves cluster at branch tips and are shed during dormancy. Because the caudex thickens relatively quickly even from seed, Adenium is one of the most popular entry-level caudex plants, and extensive cultivar breeding is carried out especially in Thailand. It thrives in full sun and requires a very free-draining mix of materials such as akadama and pumice. Water generously when the soil dries during growth, then reduce watering or withhold it entirely during the leafless dormant period. Cold tolerance is low, so it should be kept in a bright frost-free room in winter. The sap is toxic and should be handled with care.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Adenium (Desert Rose)
The Adenium (Desert Rose) lives Several decades or more.
Size of the Adenium (Desert Rose)
The Adenium (Desert Rose) grows to 20-100cm (total height).
Temperature & humidity for the Adenium (Desert Rose)
The ideal temperature for the Adenium (Desert Rose) is 25〜35℃.
Basic Info
Origin
East Africa and Arabian Peninsula
Lifespan
Several decades or more
Size
20-100cm (total height)
Temperature
10〜40℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Water: when dry in growth season / withhold after leaf drop
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Direct sun is ideal, and the sunnier the spot, the better it flowers. Too little light gives leggy growth and fewer blooms.
Watering
In the growing season, water thoroughly once the soil dries. After leaves drop with cooler temperatures, it is dormant, so reduce or stop watering.
Temperature & Overwintering
Its range is 10-40°C, with 25-35°C ideal. Cold tolerance is low, so overwinter in a bright, frost-free indoor spot.
Soil & Repotting
A fast-draining mix of akadama and pumice is the standard. Repot in the growing season once the swollen caudex crowds the pot.
Propagation
Seed-grown plants develop a caudex relatively quickly. Sowing seed lets you enjoy the swelling caudex from an early stage.
Pests & Cautions
The sap is toxic. Wash your hands after contact during pruning and keep the plant away from pets and children.
Adenium (Desert Rose) FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Adenium (Desert Rose)?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Adenium (Desert Rose)?
The ideal temperature for Adenium (Desert Rose) is 25〜35℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Adenium (Desert Rose)?
The average lifespan of Adenium (Desert Rose) is Several decades or more. With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.
QHow large does Adenium (Desert Rose) get?
The mature size of Adenium (Desert Rose) is 20-100cm (total height). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Adenium (Desert Rose)?
Adenium (Desert Rose): watering & fertilizer — Water: when dry in growth season / withhold after leaf drop. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Adenium (Desert Rose)?
The price of Adenium (Desert Rose) varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Growing Specifications
- USDA Zone
- 11–12
Sources: Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Adenium obesum
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult.
Synonyms: Adenium somalense var. caudatipetalum Chiov., Adenium obesum subsp. socotranum (Vierh.) Lavranos, Adenium micranthum Stapf, Adenium tricholepis Chiov., Adenium honghel Lindl., Adenium arabicum Balf.f., Adenium arboreum Ehrenb., Cameraria obesa (Forssk.) Spreng., Nerium obesum Forssk., Adenium speciosum Fenzl, Adenium coetaneum Stapf, Adenium somalense var. crispum Chiov., Adenium somalense Balf.f., Adenium socotranum Vierh., Adenium obesum subsp. somalense (Balf.f.) G.D.Rowley
Authority databases: GBIF · POWO
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in either CITES Appendix I or II. Also not subject to Japan's designated invasive species or specified animals regulations (being a plant).
Sources: CITES Appendix I species list / CITES Appendix II species list / Ministry of the Environment List of Specified Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
Monadenium Caudex Plant Care Guide | Water Management, Dormancy, and Cautions about Latex Sap
A comprehensive guide to growing Monadenium. Learn everything about caring for this East African caudex succulent: placement and light management, switching watering schedules between growth and dormancy periods, creating well-draining soil mixes, safety precautions with Euphorbiaceae latex sap, and propagation through cuttings and division.
Adenium Grafting Guide — Rootstock Selection to Successful Union
Grafting Adenium: rootstock and scion selection, timing, step-by-step technique, improving success rates, and troubleshooting.
How to Grow Adenium and Tips for Blooming
Learn the basics of Adenium (Desert Rose) care and tips for sunlight, fertilizer, and pruning to encourage blooms.
Adenium (Desert Rose) Overwintering Management | Winter Temperature, Water, and Dormancy Strategy
Adenium is a caudex plant native to the tropics, and winter management is the greatest challenge. This article provides detailed, practical overwintering strategies covering essential temperature management, securing light, and water adjustment, from autumn preparation through winter watering and spring recovery. It also covers troubleshooting for common problems such as leaf drop, root rot, and poor sprouting.
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