Desert rose - Adenium obesum (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Desert rose

Also known as: Impala lily, Mock azalea

Desert rose is widely cultivated as a houseplant or as bonsai for its beautiful flowers. As a succulent plant originating from the Sahara and tropical Africa and Arabia, it requires a minimum temperature of 10 ℃ to survive. Its sap was used to poisoning arrows in Africa.

Scientific classification

Species

Desert rose (Adenium obesum)

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Early summer, Late winter

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Early summer

Harvest Time

1 m to 3 m

Plant Height

90 cm to 1.5 m

Spread

Green, Gray

Leaf Color

4 cm to 6 cm

Flower Size

Green

Fruit Color

Pink, Red, White

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen, Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Desert rose

Distribution of Desert rose

Distribution Map

Semi-arid, tropical conditions are where desert rose naturally resides, such as desert. Desert rose's native range is from West Africa to the Arabian Peninsula and Tanzania. It hasn't been introduced to any other area of the world, so it only grows in its original ecosystem.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rocky or sandy soils, Dry bushland, Woodland, Grassland

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Desert rose is a herbaceous shrub commonly found in arid tropical and subtropical gardens. It is prized for its beautiful flowers and unusual grey-green branches. Its uninhibited branch formation provides unusual aesthetics, so it is suitable as an accent plant. Desert rose is appropriate for drought-tolerant and Rock gardens. Suggested companion plants include cacti to create textural contrast.

Symbolism

Unswerving devotion to love, wealth, good fortune

Interesting Facts

The formation of the desert rose lasts for centuries, and it can not only be treasured for life, but also passed on to future generations as a witness of family happiness. Desert rose are full of aesthetic feelings. They can strengthen appreciation of beauty and encourage the imagination, which is beneficial to artistic creators. It is also a gift for young men and women to show love and affection to each other.

Name Story

Desert rose: You can't imagine such delicate flowers bloom in the tropical regions or in desert areas like Sahara and Arabia. With regard to its geographical locations, it's called desert rose.

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Toxicity

Desert rose is extremely toxic to cats; a brief lick can cause instant poisoning and death. For dogs, it is mildly to severely poisonous depending on the amount consumed, with symptoms ranging from stomach discomfort to death. Glycosides in the sap interfere with heart and brain function, causing severe toxicity in humans and other animals as well.

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Quickly Identify Desert rose

Fleshy, glossy, dark green leaves in a spiraling arrangement, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long.

Smooth, thick, swollen stems with gray-green color, reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm).

Showy, tubular flowers, 2 inches (5 cm) across, pink to red in color.

Bell-shaped blooms with white throat, five petals, and protruding stamens.

Twin elongated follicles with brown-grey hue, hairy texture, and small oblong seeds.

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Care Guide for Desert rose

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Adapted to arid areas, desert rose thrives on minimal moisture, requiring watering every three weeks. With strong drought tolerance, it prefers dry climates and ample sunlight, making it suitable for warm environments where rainfall is infrequent.

Fertilize: For desert rose, use balanced succulent/cacti fertilizer during active growth in spring and summer, applying monthly, then quarterly in fall, and stop in winter. Apply at half-strength to prevent root burn. Adjust care according to seasonal changes for optimal well-being.

Pruning: Desert rose blooms on new growth, so spring and summer pruning promotes flowering. Prune fallen branches in fall/winter if necessary, ensuring the plant is well-watered beforehand. Pruning can shape the plant or train branches, while removing crossing, weak, or dead branches ensures a balanced structure.

Propagation: Indigenous to arid Africa, desert rose is a succulent with vibrant blooms and a bulbous caudex. Propagate via healthy stem cuttings, allowing them to dry for a few days to callus. Use well-draining soil, keeping it lightly moist until roots develop for successful propagation.

Repotting: Repot the stout desert rose every 2 years in spring to support growth. Use a slightly larger pot for its caudex and tuberous roots. Ensure bright light, avoid overwatering, and use a succulent soil mix for optimal drainage to help desert rose thrive.

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