I'm not a fan of Adeniums because I don't have a greenhouse for them heat lovers and they seem to attract every known pest, BUT they do lose their leaves at the slightest affront and especially at this time of the year. If the caudex is firm you're probably ok.

Thanks for the response. I just noticed that I posted in the wrong section-D'oh.

I also didn't check the caudex, maybe I'll go back and check tonight.

If there were no sign of rot or mushiness, I would go for it. Dropping leaves seems to be a habit, everytime something changes for the plant. At Regards,

Rick Clark

Go for it guy.

Dawn

I bought one at Home Depot about two weeks ago. A few days ago, the bottommost leaves started turning yellow & spotted and falling off. I hope it's just the trauma of moving! I suppose I'll just have a really strange bald plant for a while until it decides to live or die.

I start A. obesum from seed all the time and have found that they will drop leaves as they get older, change temps, get too dry or if you look at them cross-eyed. If the caudex is firm and the stems look alright and the plant doesn't pull out of the soil with a slight but firm tug, then it is probably a good buy. Beware though, Adenium can harbor meallies, you will want to keep them separate from your other plants for most of the winter. If you notice mealy bug then treat right away with an alcohol swab or whatever you use on meallies. I use Bayers Tree and Shrub Insect Control (1.4% midacloprid) at 2 ounces per gallon as a drench during active growth. I've not had any problems since using this product, as drench it treats both the plant and the soil (or roots). I use Isotox or alcohol during the winter when growth is not as active. Good luck iwth them and keep us informed. Our HD here in Lincoln, never have anything good :-(
Dan

As a followup to my October post, my Home Depot plant dropped all but two leaves over the winter, but is finally starting to get new ones. It lives! (Surprisingly.) Now, all I have to do is not overwater it.