Desert rose care guide
Adenium obesum
Also known as: Impala lily, Adenium
Pets and children
Considered toxic
All parts, especially the sap, contain cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and an irregular heartbeat even in small amounts; keep it out of reach and contact a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) right away if eaten.
How often to water Desert rose
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 7 days
- A summer grower: as a guide, water thoroughly once the surface dries, checking morning or evening in midsummer when it dries fast.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- As growth stops in cooler weather, water about a week 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; if it keeps leaves in a room above 10°C, give only a little.
Light and placement for Desert rose
Generally full sun year round, flowering best outdoors from May to October; too little light means no blooms and leggy stems, so keep air moving and stay out of long rains.
Overwintering Desert rose
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
As a guide, move it to a sunny indoor window when nights fall below about 10°C, hold it above 5°C, and stop watering once it drops its leaves, since cold and wet soil together rot the trunk.
Fertilizing and repotting Desert rose
Fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizer every two months or diluted liquid feed about once or twice a month from May to September, ideally one richer in phosphorus for flowers; none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Desert rose
- Watered through winter, the trunk rots and turns soft at the base.
- Grown only at an indoor window, it stops flowering and stretches.
- Fall leaf drop is mistaken for death and the plant is thrown away.
Tips for growing Desert rose
- Raising the caudex a little at each repotting develops the sculptural exposed roots.
- Cutting the branches back in spring gives more branches and more flowers.
- On grafted double-flowered plants, remove shoots from below the graft since they flower differently.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
