Desert Rose
Adenium obesum
.jpeg)
Bright, indirect light to part shade
Moderate; keep lightly moist but not waterlogged
Easy to moderate
2–3 ft tall, 1–2 ft wide
Details
🪴 Plant Type
Evergreen perennial spurge (not a true palm)
🌍 Native Region
Forest understory of Madagascar
📈 Growth Habit
Upright, single stem that branches with age; leaves held in pairs
📐 Size
Height: Typically 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) indoors
Spread: 1–2 ft (30–60 cm)
🌸 Bloom Time
Small, yellow‑green cyathia (spurge “flowers”) along stems, often spring through summer
Care Requirements
☀️ Light
Prefers bright, indirect light. Tolerates partial shade, but too little light can slow growth
💧 Water
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Keep soil evenly moist, but ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Reduce watering slightly in winter
🌍 Soil
Rich, well‑draining potting mix (ideal: cactus/succulent mix amended with some peat). Neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0)
🌡️ Temperature
Ideal: 65–75°F (18–24°C). Minimum: 55°F (13°C); protect from cold drafts
🧪 Fertilizer
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half‑strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. No feeding in fall and winter
Additional Information
🌱 Propagation Methods
Stem cuttings: Allow cut end to dry/callus for 1–2 days, then root in moist, well‑draining mix. Self‑seeding: Often drops seed capsules—young plants pop up around the mother plant
🐛 Common Problems
Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage. Leaf drop: Sudden light changes or drafts. Pests: Mealybugs, scale
🌿 Companion Plants
Other medium‑light houseplants, for example: Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
⚠️ Special Notes
Toxic milky sap: Wear gloves when pruning—can irritate skin and eyes. Self‑seeder: place a tray underneath to catch seedlings if you want to pot them up. Excellent air‑purifying qualities