Adenium arabicum care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Adenium arabicum

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 10 days

A summer grower that stores water in its fat base: as a guide, water thoroughly once the soil dries through while in leaf, and go easy in spring before the leaves open.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 14 days

Once growth stops, water one to two weeks after the soil dries, as a guide.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 30 days

Dry once leafless, with a light moistening about once a month on a warm day; dry roots take the cold better.

Light and placement for Adenium arabicum

Generally full sun all year, and outdoor sun and wind from May to October thicken and firm the trunk; in weak light the branches stretch into a loose plant, so keep it out of continuous rain.

Overwintering Adenium arabicum

Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above

Tender: as a guide, bring it to a sunny indoor window when nights drop below about 10°C, keep it above 5°C, and once leafless leave it dry until spring.

Fertilizing and repotting Adenium arabicum

Fertilizer

Diluted liquid feed about once or twice a month from May to September while in leaf; heavy feeding does not fatten the caudex and works against it, and none in winter.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Adenium arabicum

• Watered after leaf drop, the caudex rots and gives when pressed.
• At a cold window in winter, dark patches appear on the trunk and spread.
• Short of light, the branches grow but the trunk stays thin.

Tips for growing Adenium arabicum

• It spreads wider than A. obesum, and sun and wind build the squat shape.
• Waiting for spring leaves before increasing water avoids most root rot.
• Seed from the long paired pods after flowering is easy to raise.

More caudex plant care guides

• Buddha belly plantJatropha podagrica
• Caudex plants (general)
• Climbing onionBowiea volubilis
• Desert roseAdenium obesum
• Dorstenia foetidaDorstenia foetida
• Elephant's footDioscorea elephantipes