Plant of the Week - Desert Rose

The adenium obesum, commonly known as the desert rose, is a succulent plant. It is native to hot humid climates of Africa and Arabia, but can be grown anywhere if cared for properly with warmth and sunlight. With the swollen stems and beautiful pink and white flowers clustered tightly with narrow green leaves, these plants are very distinguishable. 
9 Essential Desert Rose Care Tips

Plant in Proper Containers
If you are going to use desert rose as a potted plant remember, the desert rose needs plenty of water, but cannot survive in standing water. Make sure that the pot you choose has superb drainage to prevent standing water. Terra cotta or ceramic pots are best. You also want to ensure that it has full sunlight daily and has soil that allows proper drainage for its best growth. Using a cactus soil will allow proper drainage. 

Water Correctly
Test the moisture of the soil by inserting your finger into the soil, if it feels dry it is time to water your desert rose. Use a drip pan when you water your plant. Water the plant until the water begins to drip into the drip pan. Empty the drip pan after each watering, you may have to check back after a few minutes to see if it needs to be emptied again. You always want to water your adeniums thoroughly each time; 2-3 times a week during spring and summer, and 1 time a week during fall and winter. Do not be afraid to leave the plant while you go on vacation, it can live several weeks without water. You do want to watch for excess water though, as the desert rose is extremely susceptible to root rot.

Fertilize Differently in Different Seasons
Always use the products label recommendation for pot size to ensure you use the proper amounts of fertilizer. In the spring you want to use a soluble fertilizer every two weeks. In early summer, when the plants' growth rate slows, stop using the soluble fertilizer and make one application of a slow-release palm specialize fertilizer. In early fall, about two months later, apply the slow-release palm specialized fertilizer one more time.

Trimming and Pruning
This desert rose care tip in essential to promote growing. Trimming and pruning your desert rose in the spring will help it grow more branches and more foliage for a fuller more lush plant. When trimming and pruning you want to cut back the new growth as far as you can without cutting off too much. The plant needs some new growth to help it remain healthy. How much you trim back depends on how small you want your desert rose to remain.

Simply ensure your plant has plenty of sun, remains warm, and has adequate amounts of water. With proper care and treatment you can grow your desert rose anywhere. 

Tip
Do not let the beauty of these plants fool you, if you come into contact with their sap it is important that you wash yourself off right away as the sap is poisonous.

It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of landscaping in between, we can help.  We serve businesses like yours all over the Phoenix Metro Area. To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.

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Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
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