A Horticulture Information article from the Wisconsin Master Gardener website, posted 8 Feb 2013

Desert Rose, Adenium obesum

Desert rose, mock azalea, impala lily, and Sabi star are
amongst the common names of a plant available from a mega-
store near you. Long grown by succulent plant enthusiasts
because of its bizarre shape, beautiful flowers in colors from
deep red to pure white, and its tolerance of occasional neglect,
adeniums are rapidly becoming popular horticultural subjects
and houseplants worldwide.

The Rose That Isn’t

For one thing, it has no thorns. But beyond that, it is totally
unrelated to the rose family and doesn’t really even look
like one. So much for common names. The desert rose is An Adenium flower.
scientifically known as Adenium obesum, or the fat adenium,
referring to its grossly thickened trunk. It is in the Asclepiadaceae, or milkweed family, which, besides our
garden milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) includes the common garden
periwinkle, oleander (frequently used as floriferous landscape
shrubs in mild climates such as Florida and southern California), the
spiny Madagascar palm (which, or course, isn’t a palm at all), the
fragrant frangipani, or Plumeria which is grown worldwide in tropical
climates, and a myriad of African succulents with bizarre, often
stinky, star-shaped flowers, collectively referred to as stapeliads.

Adenium is a small group of plants known from dry climates in sub-

Saharan Africa and the very southern part of the Arabian Peninsula.
Scientists debate how many wild species there are of Adenium. The
most conservative view is that there is only one species and a handful
of subspecies or varieties. But wild adeniums vary dramatically
from location to location, from short fat trees that resemble a small
baobab to quite small shrubs arising from huge tuberous roots. One
thing that they all have in common is that they live in relatively dry
climates (or at least areas that have extended annual dry seasons)
and therefore they have adopted the succulent way of life. That
is, they store water in their soft, swollen roots and stems to allow
An Adenium plant.
them to survive through periods of drought. Another contingent of
taxonomic experts concludes that the subspecies warrant species status, and further subdivide these
into additional named varieties. A complete list can be found below; all are in cultivation and available
through nurseries that specialize in cacti and other succulent plants.

But the most commonly available forms of the desert rose are Adenium obesum (using the name in its
narrow sense) and its various cultivars and hybrids. These are showing up in garden centers and also
in large chain hardware and discount stores here in Wisconsin and throughout the country. The most
commonly available plants currently are grown from seed and are very similar to the true species found
in nature. Young plants have an inflated trunk, sometimes called the caudex. From this fattened caudex
arise several slender but soft and succulent stems which are sparsely branched in youth. Even young
plants 2-3 years old and 6-8 inches tall can put on a beautiful floral display, with the pink to red flowers
arising from the tips of the stems.
There has been considerable work done in selecting
horticultural cultivars, primarily for flowering
characteristics. Other cultivars have been developed
through hybridization, using other species to cross with
A. obesum. These named cultivars must be propagated
from cuttings, which do not have a caudex, but which do
eventually form thickened roots and trunk. To speed the
process, cuttings are often grafted onto the fat bases of A.
obesum seedlings. Flower colors range through various
shades of pink and red, to bicolor flowers with white, and,
recently, pure white forms. Purples, yellows, and even
Adenium obesum blooming.
oranges are now being developed as either solid colors
or as components of complex patterns. True Adenium obesum normally blooms in spring and summer
continuously for many weeks. Improved cultivars bloom almost continuously if given proper care.

In nature, Adenium obesum is quite variable but can form a small, thick-trunked tree or large shrub.
However, its size can be restricted by pot culture, and 20-year-old plants can be quite happy in a 10”
pot, being only a foot or two tall. Because their size can be restricted, and because of the unusual
shapes, they are becoming increasingly popular subjects for tropical or succulent bonsai. Given the
right conditions, they can be fast-growing and rewarding houseplants in most any climate.

Cultivation
Adeniums are relatively easy to care for as long as you think of your plant as actually being two quite
different plants with different requirements at different times of the year. In the warmth of summer,
while in full growth, they should be treated as a tropical plant, watered abundantly and frequently and
fertilized with a fair amount of generosity. In the winter time they need a dry rest, and should be treated
like a cactus, with only light occasional waterings during warm bright days.

Like most all succulents, adeniums, especially when dormant, are susceptible to root rot (which can
rapidly kill the entire plant) caused by prolonged, overly wet
soils. Therefore, they should be potted in a well-drained soil
mix. Any light commercial mix can start as a base, but should
be augmented with about 1/3 to ½ drainage material such
as coarse (screened and washed) sand, clean poultry grit,
gravel, or sponge rock (such as Perlite). If you use a peat-
based mix, you should repot into fresh soil about every two
years. Any type of pot (clay, plastic, or ceramic) is acceptable,
but must have good drainage (be sure the saucer doesn’t
retain water). The pot should only be a bit larger than the
size of the root mass; significant overpotting can result in
soil moisture retention and root rot. However, these plants
are easily potbound, which restricts overall growth. So every
year or two increase the pot size until the plant achieves the
desired size. Another point to remember is that these plants
can make MASSIVE roots. They are capable of breaking
through the sides of plastic and even thin-walled ceramic
pots. Many growers use a relatively shallow, bowl-like pot
Adenium obesum, 30 years old and 20
somewhat larger than the root system would dictate. The
inches tall. The photo was taken as the plant
was beginning new growth and flowering in shallow nature of the pot allows for more rapid drying of the
the spring (mid March). soil mass, while providing room for root expansion.
Again, like most succulent plants, adeniums need bright light for normal growth and optimum flowering.
Spring growth in Wisconsin normally starts in February as soon as the days begin to lengthen. Once
growth starts they should be in the brightest possible location. After all threat of frost, established
plants thrive outdoors in the Wisconsin summer. They love our summer thunderstorms and full, day-
long sunlight is ideal. If kept too shaded during the growing season, adeniums will develop unnatural,
weak growth and will not bloom. All adeniums are very sensitive to frost and cool weather. As evenings
begin to cool in the fall, plants should be brought back indoors and placed in a bright location where
the temperature will stay above 50F. Full sun is not necessary for dormant plants. For those folks with
greenhouses, adeniums will thrive under greenhouse conditions throughout the year, but seem to enjoy
at least a few good warm, soaking summer rains. But remember, these are drought-adapted plants and
it’s not necessary to hire a plant-sitter to water them while you are away on your two week summer
vacation.

Provide ample water during the growing season. If your soil is well drained and the weather is warm and
sunny, the roots rapidly absorb soil moisture which is lost through normal transpiration. In well drained
soils during active growth in the heat of midsummer, plants can literally be watered daily. Adeniums are
becoming favorite landscape plants in tropical parts of the world such as Asia and southern Florida,
where rains can be heavy and almost daily through the summer; the plants thrive under these conditions.

Adeniums do not like to be in wet soil during cool periods. Restrict water a bit during cooler, cloudy
periods, and cut back on watering as fall approaches. Adenium obesum can be kept in leaf almost
throughout the year, especially
under ideal conditions such
as in a warm greenhouse.
In this case, light watering
is acceptable, especially on
warmer days, perhaps every
week or two throughout the
winter; be sure to allow the soil
to dry for several days between
waterings. Some species,
such as the fairly common A.
multiflorum, have an obligate
deciduous rest period for 3-4
months in winter. Be particularly
careful when watering leafless
plants; a monthly watering
from October through February
is adequate. Some adenium
specialists believe that there is
better flowering after a totally
dry dormant period. Adeniums When given ideal conditions, plenty of root room, and a long growing season
can be fertilized weekly during some Adeniums can grow quite large and colorful, such as these in an Arizona
greenhouse. But their size can be kept in check by keeping them under-potted.
the growing season, using any
good quality balanced houseplant fertilizer, but only at half the recommended label rate.

There are a few pests that attack adeniums. Spider mites and mealybugs are the worst problems but are
readily treated with normal remedies. These pests are more of a problem if plants are grown indoors or
in a greenhouse than if grown outdoors where natural controls (predators, rain) are so important. Mites
can be particularly bad on some species and cultivars, building up very rapidly and resulting in total leaf
drop. Affected plants will rapidly re-leaf once the mites are controlled. Plants grown outdoors during the
summer can occasionally get colonies of large yellow aphids with black legs. This is the same aphid
that commonly attacks wild and garden milkweeds.
Caution! All adeniums have highly toxic
Size Control and Pruning sap. In Africa the sap has been used to
In nature, Adenium obesum can assume the proportions make poison arrows for hunting game. On
of a large shrub or small tree. However, they live quite the island of Socotra where introduced
happily if their size is restricted, and they will bloom goats have decimated much of the native
faithfully. Size can be restricted by under-potting as vegetation, the adeniums are left totally
discussed above. The plant illustrated is about 30 years untouched. Use care when handling
old, is about 20 inches tall, and is in a 9 inch pot. Had this and pruning plants. Do not get sap in
been planted with plenty of root room and given generous your eyes. If you get sap on your skin,
treatment, by now it could easily fill a 20 inch pot. wash promptly. Commercial propagators
handle hundreds of plants daily without
Many adeniums branch rather sparsely and, even when problems; however, precautions are
grown hard, can look leggy after time. Judicious pruning prudent. If you have pets that are prone
will result in better branching and a fuller-looking plant. to chewing on your plants, it is likely that
Because the flowers are developed at the ends of the they will forever ignore these after the
stems, a more fully-branched plant will also produce first experimental taste, but to be safe,
more flowers. keep the pets and adeniums separated.

Propagation
Adeniums are generally not self-fertile; it usually
requires two separate clones to produce viable seed.
They have a complex flower structure and are a bit
difficult to pollinate by hand until you learn the trick.
However, fresh seeds germinate rapidly, usually
in 3-7 days, and seedlings tend to be vigorous.
Seeds are occasionally available from seed dealers
who specialize in tropical or exotic plants. Another
occasional source is the Seed Depot of the Cactus
and Succulent Society of America (http://shop.
Seedpods of Adenium multiflorum in South Africa.
cssainc.org/seed-depot.html); you need not be a
member to use this source.

Adenium cuttings can be rooted, and this is the only way to propagate hybrids that are true to their
name. Cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-drained rooting medium (such
as Perlite) and kept watered. Results are better in an enclosed area of high humidity or a mist chamber.

The Species and Varieties

As noted above, the experts disagree about what constitutes a species in the genus Adenium. What is
clear is that there are a variety of quite different forms that occur in different locations in Africa and on
the Arabian Peninsula and the adjacent island of Socotra. Most nurseries recognize several species
and forms. The following list is derived from the most recent (2009) book on the subject, by Dimmitt et
al (see Additional Information below).

• Adenium obesum is widespread and variable in its natural habitat. It occurs in a broad band across
sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal and Mauritania in the west eastward to Sudan and Kenya. Its
variability in nature is reflected by its variability in cultivation. It has a relatively long summer blooming
period and can be kept in growth through winter in a warm and bright location. It is the most widely
The author with a very old Adenium obesum with a large, boulder-like caudex (L) and a plant at the beginning of
the flowering season in southern Kenya (R). Note the proliferation of developing buds.

available species in cultivation and has been used as one of the parents in many of the hybrids. The
flowers are variable in size, but generally about 2 inches in diameter. The margins of the petals vary
from pink to deep red (see photos), and gradually fade to white near the throat. Young plants from
seed have a distinctly fattened caudex and the plant eventually develops a very stout trunk. Rooted
cuttings will form a very thick trunk in time. This is a highly desirable and commonly available
species.
• Adenium multiflorum is often
listed as a variety of A. obesum,
but is quite different in many
ways. It is probably the second
most commonly available form.
It generally has a more slender
trunk than A. obesum, and it has
an obligatory, deciduous, winter
dormancy. It generally blooms for
3-4 months in winter, while leafless.
The flowers are abundant and
possibly the most striking of the
entire group. The petals are edged Adenium multiflorum planted at a rest camp in Kruger National Park,
South Africa (L) and closeup of the bicolored petals (R).
in a bright red band of varying
widths which is sharply delimited from the white inner parts. It comes
from Mozambique and neighboring countries in southeastern Africa.
• Adenium swazicum is commonly available from specialist
nurseries. It comes from Swaziland and adjacent areas in eastern
South Africa and Mozambique. It is of easy cultivation but is very
susceptible to spider mites. The flowers are uniform in color, varying
from pale to deep pink to pinkish purple. Blooming is normally for a
few months in late summer and fall, but the cultivar ‘Perpetual Pink’
has a longer blooming period. The soft succulent stems tend to droop,
especially in plants that are too shaded. Larger plants have massive
roots and thick trunks.
A. swazicum ‘Perpetual Pink’
• Adenium somalense is another variable species. It occurs
from Somalia south into Kenya and Tanzania. In Somalia and
adjacent areas of Kenya this plant becomes a small tree, to
15 feet tall, with a massively swollen trunk. In other areas, it is
more shrubby and similar to A. obesum. The flowers are a bit
smaller but otherwise similar to A. obesum.
• Adenium crispum has sometimes been referred to as a
subspecies of A. somalense, but recent authorities believe
they are quite different species. It is native to sandy desert
soils along the coast of Somalia. It is a beautiful miniature form
that develops a very large thickened underground caudex,
from which grow a few slender stems, usually no more than
1 ft. tall. The flowers are smaller than most other adeniums,
but produced in abundance, and with beautiful red and white
striping. In cultivation the subterranean tuber is usually raised
for aesthetic purposes; it makes a desirable bonsai subject. A
few succulent nurseries carry this form.
• Adenium oleifolium is
another smaller species,
with an underground
caudex and a few stems Adenium somalense at Lake Bogorio in
to two feet tall. It comes the Rift Valley of western Kenya. In great
from the Kalahari Desert age this species can become a small, fat-
of southern Botswana, trunked tree. Note the lush vegetation in
the rainy season, indicating that it can
and northern Namibia tolerate much rain while in growth. But
and South Africa. It is a the soil is rocky and well-drained.
slow growing species
with relatively small flowers. It is available in the nursery trade
but not often cultivated.

Adenium crispum is a dwarf species from

coastal Somalia. This plant is in a 7” pot and
is shown during its winter dormant period.
The large basal caudex is actually part of
the root system which in nature would
be totally underground. In cultivation the
caudex is raised for aesthetic purposes
and to reduce the chance of root rot. This
particular plant is from a population in
Tanzania and has a somewhat different
flower than the Somali form.
Two forms of Adenium arabicum occur; these will probably eventually
be considered as separate species. L: the short form develops a
• Adenium arabicum, as its name large but fairly globose above-ground caudex with numerous slender
suggests, comes from the Arabian upright stems. This plant is in an 8” pot. R: the tall form develops a
Peninsula, especially Saudi Arabia central trunk and in nature these can become small trees. This plant
is in a 10” pot. Both forms go dormant in the winter time and start to
and Yemen. This is somewhat develop new flower and leaf buds as the days begin lengthening in
variable and it is possible that late January.
 there are actually two different plants coming from this area. One form, from Saudi Arabia, grows
upright and can be up to 12 feet tall and is somewhat similar to A. somalense. The other form is low,
with somewhat reclining stems branching from a spherical basal caudex that can be as much as 3
ft. in diameter! Both forms are available from succulent plant nurseries.
• Adenium boehmianum is the most western species, coming from northwestern Namibia and southern
Angola. This is also a slow-growing species, and must be several years old before flowering, but
young plants can flower when only 5-6” tall. The flowers are usually of a uniform pale pinkish-purple.
This is also available, but not frequently grown. In nature most plants are small, sparsely branched
shrubs to 2-4 ft tall, with relatively thin stems, but occasionally very old plants can be found that have
developed into small trees.

L: Two young seedlings of Adenium boehmianum in northern Namibia. This is one of the most slender-stemmed
species. Note how prolific flowering can be in young plants. Also note
that the plant on the left has very pale, almost white, petals. C: flowers
of Adenium boehmianum from Namibia. R: An incredibly old plant of
Adenium boehmianum in northern Namibia. Note the profusion of flowers.

• Adenium socotranum is currently the rarity of the group. It

originates only from the isolated and often inaccessible (to
Westerners) island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean south of the
Arabian peninsula and east of the Horn of Africa. This is the
giant of the group, with massive trunks up to 10 ft tall and 8 ft in
diameter! For many years Socotra hosted a Soviet naval port
and was off limits to most everyone, restricting the availability of
plants and seeds. Now the local authorities are very protective
of the natural resources and it is illegal to collect plant material
of any type. Adenium socotranum occurs by the thousands in
nature, but relatively few plants exist in cultivation. However,
recent efforts to propagate this species are being successful
and seedlings are occasionally available on eBay and from
specialist succulent nurseries; they tend to be a bit pricey.

Cultivars and Hybrids

Up until recently, relative few horticulturists were selecting improved
cultivars or doing hybridizing. Several nice named cultivars are
Adenium socotranum is the giant of
currently in the trade (see photos). In the past 10 years or so many the group, and is restricted to the
nurseries in Asia, especially Taiwan and Thailand, have been island of Soqotra. It is also the rarest in
producing dozens (maybe hundreds) of named cultivars. They are cultivation. Photo by Peter Gamarano.
Adenium cultivars: (L) ‘Red Everbloomer’; (C) ‘Crimson Star’ and (R) ‘Endless Sunset’.
selecting for rapid growth, sturdy plant body, lengthened flowering time, larger flowers (to 4 inches!),
and variety in flower color and form. U.S. nurserymen are importing such plants for propagation and to
use in their own breeding programs. In recent years, pure-white flowered forms have become available,
as well as various shades of pink and red. Many new hybrids have amazing flowers including bicolors
and tricolors, striping, and complex patterning. With this tremendous diversity on the horizon, it is likely
that the desert rose will become an even more popular houseplant.

Sources of Plants
Nicely established plants are becoming more
commonly available at those garden centers that
stock a good assortment of cacti and other types
of succulent plants. They are also showing up at
large national chain discount and hardware stores,
including here in Wisconsin. Sometimes they are
marketed outside of their flowering period, so you
may have to look closely at the plants and labels
(look for Desert Rose), or ask a knowledgeable sales
person. Those that are most commonly available are
standard Adenium obesum.

To get the more unusual species and the newer

hybrids and cultivars (such as the pure reds or pure
Adenium plants for sale at a local retailer.
whites) it is necessary to order through a nursery that
specializes in succulents or exotic plants. Many such nurseries can be found by doing a web search,
but here are a few reliable ones that stock a reasonable assortment of species or cultivars:

• Arid Lands at http://aridlands.com/

• Bob Smoley’s Gardenworld at http://www.bobsmoleys.com/
• Living Stones Nursery at http://www.lithops.net/
• Miles’ To Go at http://www.miles2go.com/
• Out of Africa at http://www.out-of-africa-plants.com/

– Dan Mahr, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Brand names and commercial businesses are listed only for reference. Such references are not intended as an endorsement
by the University of Wisconsin - Extension over similar brands or businesses.
Additional Information:

An Adenium website — an excellent site with all species discussed and illustrated with color photos.
At the home page, click on “Articles on Adeniums” for a series of articles written by adenium breeder
Mark Dimmitt of the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and Chuck Hanson, founder of Arid Lands
Greenhouses. This series of articles originally appeared in the Cactus and Succulent Journal,
produced by the Cactus and Succulent Society of America. The various species are discussed in
detail with lots of excellent photos. Parts of the series focus on cultivation and favored cultivars. At
adenium.tucsoncactus.org/index.html
Siam Adenium — a nursery in Thailand with a great diversity of incredibly amazing cultivars that
are being developed. No recommendation on repuatbility of the company or the complexity of the
ordering process from Thailand! At siamadenium.com/
The best book on adeniums is entitled Adenium: Sculptural Elegance, Floral Extravagance by Mark
Dimmitt and colleagues, published in 2009 and available through Amazon.com.