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Desert Rose

Adenium obesum  • 

Photo: Desert Rose

Photo: Desert Rose
Photo: Desert Rose
Photo: Desert Rose

General description

Adenium obesum is grown as a houseplant in temperate regions. Numerous hybrids have been developed. Adeniums are appreciated for their colorful flowers, but also for their unusual, thick caudices. They can be grown for many years in a pot and are commonly used for bonsai.

Because seed-grown plants are not genetically identical to the mother plant, desirable varieties are commonly propagated by grafting. Genetically identical plants can also be propagated by cutting. However, cutting-grown plants do not tend to develop a desirable thick caudex as quickly as seed-grown plants.

Plant requirements

This plant has no description yet.

Maintenance

This plant has no description yet.

Practical use

The sap of Adenium boehmianum, A. multiflorum, and A. obesum contains toxic cardiac glycosides and is used as arrow poison throughout Africa for hunting large game.

Properties

Height
120 - 180 cm
Color
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Sunlight
Full sun
PH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Hardiness
Hardy, Needs protection