Q: I purchased a Desert Rose and planted it in Adenium mix. I
keep it in full sun with once a week watering assuming this is a desert plant
that likes lots of sun. Some leaves turned yellow and now I am not sure should
I move it into shade or need to water more? Or maybe fertilize with
something?
A:Desert Rose - Adenium, unlike cacti and other succulents, prefers
filtered light. It can grow in full sun but leaves look healthier in light shade.
Watering must be very moderate, however don't let soil harden like a rock:
water again right after the soil gets dry. We suggest to use special Adenium Mix. Cactus mix may work well, as well as regular potting mix,
in which case it is recommended to add a bit of limestone (we simply put sea
shells on top of the pot - it looks very pretty!) - because adeniums prefer
slightly alkaline soil (while most of tropical plants like acidic soils). If
leaves turn yellow, this may be a sign of underwatering. Use water soluable fertilizer with high phosphate as foliage spray, and
only on healthy plants, according to label dosage. It helps both caudex growth
and flowering. Make sure to avoid fertilizer contact with a caudex.
We received a THOUSAND NEW ADENIUMS from Thailand - beautiful, well-developed plants with big
caudex, ready to bloom! They are finally available for those on the waiting list for specific colors. But hurry! Each variety is available
in limited quantities (fewer than 10 per type), and they won't last long -
first come, first served!
Everyone loves the colorful, showy Adeniums, and it's easy to see why so
many gardeners want to collect them all! With so many varieties to choose
from, picking just one can be tough. That's why we're offering a special
discount: Save 10% when you buy 2 or more Adeniums! You can also add other plants
to your shopping cart for a minimum $99 order and get more plants for the
value!
Use this 10% discount
code when you buy at least 2 adeniums, or any other plants with min.
order $99:
Desert roses (Adeniums) are not really roses at all. They are cousins of the plumeria, but gardeners prize them for that swollen base more than for
the leaves. Want a little trick? Each time you repot, lift the plant slightly
so the crown roots peek above the soil. Over time the base swells into odd
shapes. Some look like bottles, others like bonsai elephants. That is half the fun of growing them.
At Top Tropicals we only sell grafted plants. Why? Because seed-grown
plants do not keep flower color true, but they are the only ones that form the
swollen caudex. With grafting you get the best of both worlds: reliable
flower colors from named hybrids and the sculptural trunk from seedling rootstock.
You can make hundreds of exotic colors. Tempting, isn’t it? Take advantage of this hot sale offer and and collect them all!
A small pot with excellent drainage, size of root system.
Adenium soil mix. Use only well-drained soil. We suggest this Adenium mix.
Lots of light for heavy flowering. However, in super hot climates, they look healthier in filtered bright light.
Little water. Adeniums like a neutral to hard water. Acidic water tends to sour the soil too fast and may cause root rot.
Water plants preferably in the early morning, and allow them to drink up throughout the day.
Do not water again until soil dries on surface. Never allow your plants to sit in a saucer of water, but don't let them to dry out too often - this causes adeniums to go into early dormancy. Adeniums do not like both over-watering or drying-out.
5 Fertilizer. To make your plant develop a large swollen base/trunk, you'll need a good quality fertilizer. Sunshine Megaflor provides all the nutrients responsible for both Caudex growth and profuse flowering.