
How to Care For a Desert Rose Plant
- The desert rose can't survive in cold temperatures. Therefore it's usually planted in pots so it can be moved indoors...
- The desert rose can be grown from seeds or from stem cuttings. Let the stem cuttings dry out before planting. Plant them...
- The desert rose needs full sunlight and a temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1...
How do you care for an Arabian Desert Rose plant?
These east African and Arabian natives are wonderful in the interior container garden or as warm climate additions to the patio display. Caring for desert rose plants requires a full sun location and well-drained soil. Properly mimicking their native regional conditions will garner plenty of rose-like blooms on an architectural marvel of a plant.
Is it hard to care for Adenium desert roses?
Desert rose plant care can be difficult and requires some knowledge of the life cycle of the species. Follow some basic Adenium desert rose growing tips for healthy plants that won’t disappoint with full crowns of richly colored tubular flowers. Adeniums are succulent, tropical plants.
What kind of soil does a desert rose need?
As its name implies, the desert rose plant is acclimated to naturally dry, desert-like conditions, meaning well-draining sandy or gravelly cactus soil. The soil should have a neutral to acidic pH, ideally hovering right around 6.0. The desert rose plant has varying water requirements depending on the time of year and temperature.
How often do you water a desert rose plant?
Well, desert rose plant has varying water requirements depending on the temperature and season. For example, in late spring, keep the soil moist but not saturated. In colder months, reduce the watering cycles and only water once a month or so. Improper watering is one of the leading causes of desert rose withering and death.

How often should I water my desert rose?
They should be watered 2 or 3 times per week, depending on how dry your climate is. Healthy plants can be dunked in a container of spring water or aged tap water.
How do you look after a desert rose?
Caring for desert rose Like other succulents, desert rose does need regular watering, especially in hot, dry weather. Promote flowering with a water-soluble or liquid fertiliser in spring and summer, diluted to about one third of the recommended strength on the label.
Why are the leaves on my desert rose turning yellow?
Under Watering During the plants' growing season, provide a thorough watering whenever needed. If your Desert Rose stays dry for an extended period, the result is yellowing starts followed by dropping leaves.
How do you keep a desert rose blooming?
Desert rose requires plenty of sunlight, and lack of light may be the reason for desert rose plants not blooming. Place the plant where it receives at least five to six hours of sun per day – preferably even more.
How long does a desert rose plant live?
The desert rose has a long life span of up to 500 years.
Is Epsom salt good for desert roses?
Epsom salts won't cure an extreme magnesium deficiency and are generally considered more effective in acid soils, where magnesium is not easily accessed by plants. Three garden plants for which Epsom salts are most often recommended are tomatoes, peppers, and roses.
Can I use Miracle Grow on desert rose?
You may see it said on some of the forums that Miracle Grow and the knockoffs are no good for Desert Roses. Both of these are fine as long as you don't expect them to act as a foliar feed as they do on other plants. The leaf coating on adeniums prevents uptake as a foliar feed. Use them on the soil instead.
What is the best fertilizer for desert roses?
To encourage growth and flowering, the desert rose plant responds well to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Bone meal fertilizer is rich in phosphorus and a good choice for feeding desert rose Adeniums.
Is it normal for desert rose to lose all its leaves?
Desert Rose Growing Instructions Water desert rose regularly for best results. The plant tolerates low-water conditions, but if it dries out too much, it will lose some or all of its leaves. (Don't worry if this happens; your desert rose will grow new leaves when it starts to get enough water again.)
Are coffee grounds good for desert roses?
Roses do like coffee grounds, but too much too close can give them a nasty nitrogen burn and can kill your roses. Never sprinkle coffee grounds right next to the plant.
How many times a year does a desert rose bloom?
Even though bright sun stimulates blossom production, the Desert Rose takes a break during the very hottest and rainiest months of the growing season. This results in two periods of blooming.
Is baking soda good for plants?
Baking soda on plants causes no apparent harm and may help prevent the bloom of fungal spores in some cases. It is most effective on fruits and vegetables off the vine or stem, but regular applications during the spring can minimize diseases such as powdery mildew and other foliar diseases.
Should I cut back my desert rose?
Although desert rose is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant, it can become long and leggy in time. When this occurs, blooming will diminish substantially. Pruning a desert rose will avoid this problem by creating a bushy, fuller-looking plant. Cutting back a desert rose also creates more stems, which means more flowers.
How do you care for a desert rose indoors?
Desert Rose Indoors (Adenium obesum)Plant Feed. Once every month during active growth in the spring and summer. Do not feed in winter.Watering. Allow soil to dry between thorough waterings.Soil. Well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
Is desert rose an indoor or outdoor plant?
As long as you provide optimal conditions, desert roses can grow inside by a windowsill, in a larger DIY container garden indoors, or in pots outside.
What Should I Feed My desert rose?
To encourage growth and flowering, the desert rose plant responds well to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Bone meal fertilizer is rich in phosphorus and a good choice for feeding desert rose Adeniums.
What is a desert rose?
Desert rose is an ornamental succulent garden plant that is known for its swollen or caudex trunk. It can store moisture in its swollen trunk to us...
How do you take care of a desert rose plant?
During the spring and summer seasons, try to keep the soil moist to a moderate level. Give less water during fall and winter or when you notice the...
Can you plant a desert rose in the ground?
Desert roses can be planted outdoors and directly in the ground. They love bright sunlight. However, they can’t withstand cold weather and may with...
Why are the leaves falling off my desert rose?
Just like other plants, a desert rose may drop its leaves due to stress. A change of environment also affects the foliage, which might take some ti...
How often does a desert rose bloom?
Desert roses typically bloom in spring and summer. However, some outdoor desert roses may bloom more often depending on the care and sunlight they...
What does a skinny stem mean on a desert rose?
A nice fat trunk is an indicator of plant health. A skinny stem can indicate that the plant requires more moisture. An interesting bit of desert rose plant info is its natural resemblance to a bonsai plant, with a short stature when mature, and tidy canopy perched atop the graduated stem. Many growers seem to have trouble caring for desert rose ...
How cold can a sage plant survive?
They are also not frost tolerant and will succumb to a freeze if exposed. The plant will not survive long if exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees F. (4 C.) but will thrive in temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees F. (32 C.).
What is the best plant to grow in a container garden?
Plant lovers are always looking for easy to grow, unique plants with a fun aspect. Adenium desert rose plants are perfect specimens for the intrepid or novice gardener. These east African and Arabian natives are wonderful in the interior container garden or as warm climate additions to the patio display. Caring for desert rose plants requires a full sun location and well-drained soil. Properly mimicking their native regional conditions will garner plenty of rose-like blooms on an architectural marvel of a plant.
How to kill succulents quickly?
The one thing that will kill these plants quickly is improper watering. They are succulents but are used to rainy periods during which they grow, followed by a dormant, dry period. Match your watering practices to these needs for best success. Keep soil moderately moist in spring and summer, but reduce watering in fall and especially winter when the plant is dormant.
Can you grow desert roses indoors?
Follow some basic Adenium desert rose growing tips for healthy plants that won’t disappoint ...
How to keep a sage plant alive in the winter?
If possible, keep the plant in a temperature of around 60°F for it to retain its leaves. In the rainy season, make sure your plant is not in standing water, as it will definitely cause root rot.
How to prevent leaf rot on a plant?
In case this happens, remove the rotten leaves from the plant and move it to a drier area where the rest of the leaves can dry faster. To avoid leaf rot, try to water the plant without wetting the leaves.
How to grow a sage plant?
Ideally, this plant should be grown in full sunlight, so a sunny window or a sunny corner in the garden would be a good place for it. You have to make sure that your plant receives direct sunlight for a minimum of five hours every day. In fact, more sunlight will only help it grow better. Alternatively, you can also grow it indoors using grow lights. In case of colder regions, it makes more sense to use grow lights instead of exposing it to the harsh weather outside.
How to tell if a plant has rotten leaves?
Stem rotting occurs because of a type of fungus. You can tell if your plant has stem rot if parts of the stem turn dark yellow, brown, or black, or if the leaves turn dark and begin to fall off. If this is not taken care of in time, the stem rot will effectively ruin the plant. Cut the rotten parts of the stem immediately.
How to grow bonsai indoors?
If you’re planning to grow it indoors, you can decide upon using a variety of pots and containers for your plant. Make sure the pot you choose has a drain hole, ’cause you definitely don’t want the pot to hold water than what is absolutely necessary. Also, when choosing a container, make sure it leaves a minimum of 2-3 inches of space around the roots. You can opt for bonsai pots as they are shallow, and provide a lot of space for growth in width. Remember, whichever pot you decide on, it must have drain holes and some extra space around the roots.
What kind of soil does a sage plant need?
However, be sure that the soil is fast-draining, and contains some coarse, sandy soil too. You can ask local nurseries for the perfect soil to grow this plant in your area.
Can desert roses be grown indoors?
It has a thick, succulent stem, and long, evergreen leaves which add to the aesthetics. The great part about the desert rose is that it can be grown both indoors and outdoors, has a long life, and flowers twice a year. This plant is a favorite among gardening enthusiasts, and as a result, several types of hybrids have been introduced, ...
How much sun does a desert rose need?
The desert rose needs full sunlight and a temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1 to 26.7 degrees Celsius). The temperature should never drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 degrees Celsius) [source: Plant Care ]. The desert rose only needs watering when the soil feels dry. In the winter, it only needs water every three or four weeks.
Why do desert roses drop leaves?
Just like other plants, a desert rose may drop its leaves due to stress. A change of environment also affects the foliage, which might take some time to recover. Always make sure that your desert rose is exposed to sunlight to bloom.
How long do desert roses bloom?
Some may even bloom year-round. A typical bloom lasts seven days.
What is a desert rose?
Desert rose is an ornamental succulent garden plant that is known for its swollen or caudex trunk. It can store moisture in its swollen trunk to use at times of drought. A desert rose bears a resemblance to a bonsai plant. Furthermore, it has a combination of pink, red and white flowers.
How to keep a sage plant alive?
During the spring and summer seasons, try to keep the so il moist to a moderate level. Give less water during fall and winter or when you notice the plant is dormant. You can also fertilize with a 20-20-20 plant food dilution (only half of it per month) at times when the plant shows active growth.
Can a desert rose survive in cold weather?
The desert rose can't survive in cold temperatures. Therefore it's usually planted in pots so it can be moved indoors when the weather changes. For adequate drainage, plant your desert rose in one part potting soil mixed with one part perlite [source: Sidhe] or sand.
Can you plant desert roses outdoors?
Desert roses can be planted outdoors and directly in the ground. They love bright sunlight. However, they can’t withstand cold weather and may wither down during winters. So, if you live in a seasonal area, keep them in a portable container to move them indoors as the winter season arrives.
How hot should a desert rose plant be?
Your plant should be kept in warm temperatures at all times—it will die quickly if exposed to prolonged temperatures of under 50 degrees Fahrenheit and thrives best at temperatures between 65 and 90 degrees. If you've planted your desert rose outdoors, know that it is not likely it will survive any frosts that the fall or winter months may bring. Humidity is not important to the desert rose, as it's used to the dry, hot climate a desert provides.
What is the best soil for a desert rose plant?
The soil should boast a neutral to acidic pH, hovering right around 6.0 ideally.
How to treat a cut in a potted plant?
Treat any cuts with a fungicide and antibacterial solution. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot. Tony Waltham / robertharding / Getty Images.
What to plant cut end of a sage?
Plant the cut end into a well-draining growing medium like perlite or sand mixed with potting soil.
How fast does a desert rose grow?
The desert rose ( Adenium obesum) is a slow-growing plant, only growing about 12 inches per year. It is often used as a bonsai plant thanks to its thick succulent trunk, thin and delicate leaves, and luscious, deep pink trumpeting flowers. It is native to Africa, the Middle East, and Madagascar.
How to tell if a plant is getting enough water?
If you're curious as to whether your plant is getting enough water during its growing season, you can look to its trunk for the answer. A swollen, thick trunk (in proportion to the size of your plant) is a great indication that your plant is well-hydrated.
What is a desert rose?
Repotting. Back to Top. The desert rose (Adenium obesum) is a slow-growing plant (gaining less than 12 inches per year) that boasts a thick, succulent stem and deep pink flowers. It belongs to the genera Apocynaceae, which is native to Africa, the Middle East, and Madagascar.
What is the best way to care for a desert rose?
To ensure the best care for your desert rose, keep the soil well-drained and check for bugs on the underside of the leaves and flowers.
How to keep a desert rose happy?
The key to keeping your desert rose happy is to give it lots of drainage-- typical succulent potting soil with pumice or crushed granite provides plenty of space for water to drain. You can also put layers of gravel above and below the soil to prevent your succulent from rotting.
What is Adenium Obesum Desert Rose Plant?
Adenium obesum - the desert rose plant is an indoor succulent with a wide variety of 2 - 3 inch flowers. Easy-to-grow and an excellent choice for the intrepid gardener, this Arabian native is wonderful in warm climates or interior container gardens.
Where do desert roses grow?
The desert rose plant comes in many varieties and grows throughout northeastern Africa and Arabian Peninsula.
Is Desert Rose a sun lover?
Desert rose as a Sun-Lover. As mentioned earlier, the vibrant flowers are sun-lover and bloom beautifully in the bright sun. so if you live in a place that has bright and sunny mornings and afternoons, Ademium obseum is the perfect plant choice. However, keeping them in shades can weaken their stems and make them leggy.
Is Desert Rose toxic to dogs?
A: The desert rose is highly toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans, so it’s best kept away from pets and children. With enough toxins to kill an elephant, the ASPCA recommends keeping the plant away from all animals since its toxins can be ingested by licking the plant. If ingested, call 911 immediately.
Can a desert rose grow in cold weather?
It requires 70°F to 100° F to grow well, and like most succulents, cannot survive in cold temperatures. If you live somewhere that isn’ t arid year-round, always move your desert rose inside when the climate changes.
How should I care for a desert rose plant?
Caring for the desert rose plant involves providing it with a full sun environment, ideal soil conditions, watering every fortnight and temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). The plant can thrive in low humidity conditions. Don’t hesitate from semi-regular pruning and fertilization every month.
How much humidity does a desert rose need?
The Desert Rose is used to aridity and can exist at low levels of humidity. About 40% humidity is acceptable for the succulent and gives it an excellent chance to grow.
What is a desert rose?
The Desert Rose is a spectacular plant that produces vibrant pink and red flowers that are complete stunners. If you own this succulent, be prepared to provide it with loads of sunlight as this is key for its prosperity. The popular plant is also known by other names like Sabi star, impala lily, desert azalea and kuddu mock azalea.
How to propagate desert roses?
Other ways to propagate the desert rose include using the seeds, but the best method was the one that involves cuttings.
How to root a sage tree from a cutting?
Take a cutting from the branch and allow it to dry over a day, then place it in a rooting hormone. Once you do this, proceed to place the cutting within a well-drained pot with proper soil conditions! Continue to water the cutting daily until it grows out.
Where does the Desert Rose come from?
As the name suggests, the desert rose plant originates from a desert or an arid area. It is used to living in soil that barely holds moisture and refuses to be soggy. Root rot is a big no when it comes to this plant as it can’t stand waterlogging at all. Ensure that the pH requirements of being between 6.0 and 7.0 are also met, and you’re good to go.
Do desert roses need sunlight?
Don’t compromise on the sunlight requirements of the Desert Rose! It needs a steady supply of light to grow at its healthiest. Neglect in this regard will cause the plant to appear leggy.
What causes a desert rose to rot?
Desert roses are sometimes plagued by stem rot , which starts on the tips of the plants and makes its way down the stems. Leaf rot is another common problem that can occur when the leaves stay wet. Leaf rot. To control leaf rot, remove the diseased leaves and let the plant dry out before you water again.
What is a desert rose?
Desert rose plants are easy-to-grow tropical succulents with swollen trunks. They're sometimes mistaken for bonsai trees.
Why are my desert roses turning brown?
Stem rot. Stem rot shows up as black, yellow or brown wet or dry patches on desert rose stems; it's caused by a fungus. Sometimes the plant will form an abscission zone, or an area of new growth around the infection.
How to get rid of spider mites on plants?
Spider mites may show up as tiny brown or yellow spots or spider-like webs on plant leaves. Eliminate a light infestation by spraying your plant with a stream of water from your kitchen sprayer or a garden hose. If they return, use neem oil, a dormant oil, horticultural oil or a miticide. Do not use a pesticide made for regular spiders.
How to kill scale on a plant?
To control a small infestation of either kind of scale, pick the insects off your plant or kill them by touching them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. If the infestation is heavy, try insecticidal soap. To make your own insecticidal soap, mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of mild dish detergent with a quart of water and spray the mixture on the leaves. Don't use the soap mixture or alcohol on a hot day or when your plant is in the sun, which could burn the foliage. It's a good idea to try the alcohol or homemade insecticide on just a few leaves first, to make sure the treatment won't harm the plant.
How to keep leaves from dropping on a sage plant?
In the fall, start cutting back on watering, and water just enough in the winter, while your plant is dormant, to keep its leaves from dropping. Bring an outdoor plant in when the temperature drops to 50 degrees F.
When do desert roses bloom?
Desert roses typically break dormancy and produce a few flowers in late winter. Leaves and more flowers appear into the summer and fall.
Written by Cactusway Team
When it comes to desert rose ( Adenium obesum ) care, there's a lot of misunderstanding. Mistakes caused by misinformation can be very costly in terms of plant health. Here are four golden rules to help you water this lovely but hardy succulent positively.
1. Know when to water a desert rose
Desert roses do not require much water to survive in their native environments. However, to grow them in a domestic setting, water them skillfully to achieve the desired level of growth and flowering.
2. Mind your water quantity and frequency
As its name suggests, the desert rose is a desert plant that requires very little water to grow and flower. However, when grown at home, it requires varying water requirements in different seasons.
3. Avoid under-watering or over-watering a desert rose
Since desert rose is a drought-resistant plant, under-watering it might not take as much toll on it as it would on other plants. Under-watering is only an issue when the plant is in its active growth period. Still, the plant is likely to take a long time to die from under-watering.
4. Watering desert rose seeds needs extra caution
When propagating desert rose from seeds, soak them for a day before planting them. You can then plant them in moist but non-soggy soil for a week to 10 days.
Other ways to take care of a desert rose
Apart from watering, you can do a few other things to ensure your desert rose is growing healthy.
To Wrap It Up
The desert rose is a great plant. It looks beautiful and requires very little maintenance. Its watering regime is simple as long as you follow the steps listed in this guide. The beauty of a desert rose is enough to encourage any plant lover.
