Adenium Desert Rose 4"

Light Requirements

- Full Sun: Desert roses thrive in bright, direct sunlight. They need at least 6 hours of full sun daily to grow well and flower abundantly.
- Indoor Light: If grown indoors, place your plant in the sunniest spot, like a south-facing window.

Watering
- Drought Tolerant: Adenium plants are succulents, so they store water in their thick stems and roots. Water thoroughly when the soil dries out, and let the soil dry between waterings.
- Seasonal Watering: During the growing season (spring and summer), water more frequently. In the dormant season (fall and winter), reduce watering significantly.

Soil
- Well-Draining Mix: Use a fast-draining, gritty soil mix, similar to cactus or succulent soil. A mix of sand, perlite, and potting soil works well.
- Prevent Root Rot: The soil should never remain soggy as this can cause root rot, a common issue with overwatered desert rosesTemperature
- Warm Climate: Adeniums love warmth and thrive in temperatures between 65-90°F (18-32°C). They cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
- Indoor in Winter: bring your plant indoors during winter months or when temperatures drop below 50°F 

Humidity
- Low Humidity: Desert roses prefer dry, arid environments. Avoid placing them in highly humid areas, as this can promote fungal diseases.

Fertilization
- Balanced Fertilizer: Feed your plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Slow Release Fertilizer: A slow-release fertilizer can also work, but make sure to stop feeding during the dormant season.

Pruning
- Encourage Branching: Prune your desert rose in late winter or early spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Always use sterilized pruning shears.
- Remove Dead Growth: Trim away any dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth.

Repotting
- Repot Every 2-3 Years: Repot when the plant outgrows its pot or when the soil becomes compacted. Choose a slightly larger pot and refresh the soil.
- Choose Shallow Pots: Adeniums have shallow roots, so use wide, shallow pots rather than deep ones to support their top-heavy growth.

Propagation
- Seeds: Desert roses can be grown from seeds, which should be planted in well-draining soil and kept warm and moist until they sprout.
- Cuttings: Propagation by stem cuttings is another option, though cuttings may not develop the characteristic swollen caudex that seed-grown plants exhibit.

Common Issues
- Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the soil is dry before watering again and use well-draining soil.
- Pests: Common pests include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Leaf Drop: The plant may shed its leaves during dormancy or if exposed to cold drafts.