How to Grow Great Adenium

In the succulent family of plants there are a few that are strange looking. Adenium is one of those plants. However, because each plant is unique, it is a wonderful addition to any patio garden or plant collection. Here are some tips to help you grow a beautiful specimen of Adenium in your home garden.

Adenium is pronounced ah-DEE-nee-um. It is in the Apocynaceae family. This plant originated in Socotra, tropical East Africa, and South Africa.

This plant has a bit of a strange growing pattern. Each plant is unique in form. The base of the plant will vary in color from gray to pale brown and is fleshy. If the plant is small, it may look as if it is molded of clay. As adenium grows, it will branch out irregularly into a treelike shrub. The leaves are long,green, and shiny. They are not produced in an abundance, however.

The flowers are a beautiful, brilliant red to pink. They appear on the tips of the branches in clusters. These plants bloom during the summer months and the flowers are funnel-shaped. Each flower is about 2 inches or more in diameter.

Adenium can be propagated either by seed or cuttings. The plant will grow best if it is kept underpotted in loose soil. The soil, itself, should be gritty and rich. Andenium will grow best if placed in a bright location, but not necessarily in direct sun. Ample water and fertilizer should be provided during the growing season. However, let the soil almost dry out before another watering. The plant should not be in an environment that gets below 65 degrees F. This is absolutely necessary throughout the entire year. The plant is slow to grow and will take many years to read even 3 feet in height. Because it can be difficult to manage, adenium is not recommended for a beginner.

The species of this plant that is most recommended is A. obesum. It is nicknamed desert rose. This species will grow to a small tree or shrub up to 15 feet in height. The flowers it produces are pink.

Another recommended variety is A. multiflorum. It is not recognized as a separate species. But, it is listed under this name, as if it were.

Growing this unique succulent in your home garden is an enjoyable hobby. While it is a bit more demanding that some plants, it will grow into a beautiful specimen. Hopefully, these tips will help you grow a wonderful plant for you and your family to enjoy.