Low Maintenance
Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Direct Light)
Below Average Watering Needs
Mature Height 24-36 inches

Adenium obesum is the scientific name of the commonly known Desert Rose. This succulent is found in parts of Africa and Madagascar and resembles a small tree due to the succulent trunk and a gnarly root system that develops as the plant matures. Desert Rose is popular for bonsai because of its slow growth and annual blooms in the summer. This succulent can grow outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10-12, reaching a height of 6-9 feet.

Best Locations For Growing Desert Rose

The best location in the house is a window with southern exposure for at least 6 hours. This is a succulent that requires full sun but not any extra humidity. Place Desert Rose in a location with a constant temperature between 68-90 degrees F with no drafts from doors or windows. Any temperatures below 50 F will damage this desert plant, with freezing temperatures killing it altogether. Do not put Desert Rose in a room where children or pets can access it. All parts of Adenium obesum are highly poisonous.

Desert Rose Sunlight Requirements

Desert Rose requires direct sun for at least half of the day, ideally in a southeast or south-facing window. Desert Rose growing outdoors needs protection from the sun during mid-day. The strong light will bleach the leaves and scorch any blooms.

Desert Rose Care

Desert Rose is treated like any other succulent when potting or repotting. The soil should be very dry before taking the plant out of its container. Gently knock off any soil on the roots and remove any damaged or dead roots before repotting in a larger container. Use a potting mix for cactus and succulents, and do not water the plant for one week after repotting. This will reduce the stress on the root system. Leaving Desert Rose in a small pot will restrict its overall growth, which is beneficial for Bonsai or just keeping the overall size manageable.

Watering Desert Rose

Desert Rose will require different watering schedules depending on whether it is actively growing or dormant. During the spring and summer, the Desert rose is growing and preparing to bloom. Watering must be done regularly, letting the whole pot dry out in between. Using a terracotta pot with ample drainage holes will allow the potting soil to dry out faster. Watering will need to be dramatically reduced when Desert Rose loses its blooms and goes into dormancy in the fall. Water sparingly once a month at that time. The best way to determine if the plant is getting enough water is by the swelling of the trunk. Any withering or shrinking will indicate the need for more water.

Feeding Desert Rose

A liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents can be applied once a month during the active growing period in spring and summer. Use the fertilizer at hal

Desert Rose Succulent Information

Light Exposure: Bright Direct Light

Care Requirements: Easy

Watering Requirements: Below Average - Let the soil dry completely, then, water deeply.

Pet Friendly: No

Kid Friendly: No

Air Purifier: Moderate

Habit: Upright

Growth Rate: Slow

Mature Height: 24-36 inches

Mature Spread: 18-24 inches

Flowering: Yes

Flower Color(s): Pink, Red

Flower Shade/Description: Red or Pink, Sometimes Double or Bicolor

Fragrant:

Foliage Type:

Foliage Color(s): Green

Foliage Description: Green, Round

Temperature: 70° - 100°F (21° - 38°C)

Humidity: Around 40%

Common Name: Desert Rose Succulent

Other Name(s): Desert Rose

Scientific Name: Adenium obesum

Plant Type: House Plant

SKU:: Succ_Adenium_Desert.Rose-HP

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

For more detailed information, please click here.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Plant Shipping

Time of Order:

Summer Shipping

If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.

We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location

Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.

It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.

Desert Rose