Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

The Desert Rose, scientifically known as Adenium obesum, is a stunning succulent shrub renowned for its striking appearance and vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. Native to arid regions of Africa and the Middle East, this plant has adapted to thrive in hot and dry conditions, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts of unique and drought-tolerant plants.

This plant ships in a 2 inch nursery pot and soil and is about 3-4 inches tall. This plant may or may not ship without blooms, but are not guaranteed to arrive fresh. If they have blossoms during shipping we will do our best to persevere them in the packaging. 

Note that plants pictured are representative of the size, fullness, health and maturity of the plant we will ship.

After unboxing, keep your new plant in bright indirect light for about a week to let it bounce back from the stresses of shipping. Check roots for rot, and water as needed. 

Refrain from repotting for at least one month. While we inspect every plant for pest and health before shipping, its best practice to inspect and isolate your new plant for up to a month to limit pest spread. If your plant arrives with any issue, reach out to our team with pictures if possible! 

Plant Shipping Disclaimer: Live plants have different sensitivity levels to shipping stress including but not limited to shipping route/facility weather or being boxed up without light or ventilation for days at a time. Yellowing/lose of leaves, root rot, wrinkling of stems, discoloration, and other signs of shipping stress can be expected to some degree. Minor damage as listed above sometimes cannot be mitigated even through the best of practices per each plants unique sensitivities. Minor and Expected stress on live plants shipped by Scorpio Gardens as listed above cannot be considered for refunds. To minimize stress on your plants in transit, consider adding “heated packaging” for packages traveling through regions experiencing 40 degrees or less and upgrading to Express 2nd Day Mail

Growth Pattern: The Desert Rose grows as a succulent shrub with a distinctive swollen trunk, which stores water to endure extended periods of drought. Its thick, leathery leaves are arranged in whorls, adding to its exotic charm. When provided with proper care, it produces eye-catching clusters white flowers.

Light Requirements: Desert Roses thrive in full sunlight, preferably receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Placing them by a sunny window or outdoors in a sunny spot is ideal for their growth and flowering.

Watering Needs: Being a desert plant, Desert Roses are adapted to infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During the growing season, typically spring and summer, water moderately, but reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Soil Type: Plant your Desert Rose in well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Good drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogged roots.

Temperature and Climate: Desert Roses prefer warm temperatures, typically between 70-100°F (21-38°C). They are not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold temperatures.

Fertilization: Feed your Desert Rose with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 2-4 weeks during the growing season to encourage flowering and growth.

Pruning and Maintenance: Pruning is generally not necessary, but you can trim the plant to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged growth. Regularly check for pests and disease, as prevention is key.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for common succulent pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Desert Roses can also be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Promptly address any issues to maintain a healthy plant.

Toxicity: It's important to note that all parts of the Desert Rose plant are toxic if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets and children.