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Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Posted by gee8ch zone 9 SO CAL (My Page) on Sun, Sep 2, 07 at 13:47
| Unable to find other forum for this question and some of you have mentioned you have this plant. I am looking to grow one, but so far, except for Logees, have been able to find only seeds available. Is this an easy plant to grow from seed or do you suggest buying an already rooted plant? Also, is there an advantage in buying a grafted plant over a non-grafted plant? Sorry, another question: is there one cultivar over another that is recommended? TIA Gloria |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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I don't know a lot about desert roses but do have a few. They are pretty easy to grow and easy to start from seed but aren't very fast growing plants. They are by no means uncommon and you should be able to find them at many nurseries. Personally I think Logees is extremely overpriced for very average quality plants. I like the plants with interesting looking caudexes, bulbous and gnarled, probably more then the flowers. Karyn |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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I just last week found one at Walmart. They had about six of them total. Got it for about $15. It's a very nice established plant too. I got a very sweet little one on Ebay awhile back too. I've gotten seeds, but haven't done very well with them. So far only have one very little plant from I can't even remember how many I planted. I know others have had much better luck with the seed thing. So, go check your nearest Walmart, maybe there is one sitting there waiting for you! Lauri |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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- Posted by gee8ch zone 9 SoCal (My Page) on
Thu, Sep 6, 07 at 8:34
| Thanks, Laurie and Karyn. Will be checking some of the local stores. Asked the question because I agree the Logee's seemed a bit pricey. E-Bay has lots of seed auctions, but wasn't sure how true and how easy seeds would be. Gloria |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| I recommend www.bradsbudsandblooms.com for adeniums (Desrt Rose) They have many varities, some are rare. Buy one already rooted, takes way to long to do it from seed. Grafted or not doesnt really matter. I just purchased a Mrs Thailand Adenium from www.bradsbudsandblooms.com and love it. Great plant. |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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- Posted by gee8ch zone 9 SoCal (My Page) on
Fri, Sep 7, 07 at 11:55
| Christopher77: Thanks. Will check it out. (Newbie Questions): What is the reason for grafting these plants? Do they all make that wonderful bulbous bottom? Which ones are "good" ones for a beginner? TIA Gloria |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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gee8ch- NO, NO, NO, NO, NO! First of all I thing a terrific place for adeniums is mgonline.com. Terrific selection. May seem a little pricey, but trust me IT IS WORTH IT. (If you like these plants) I bought three plants from them and each of them were at least 18 inches tall, multi branched, with blooms! I have also bought from Logees. Nothing special, but I do like my plants from them. I got my first four adeniums from Lowes. ONLY a plant grown from a seed will EVER have a swollen caudex. If you get one that is grafted onto a seed grown plant your find. However, if you but one that is a cutting from another one, it will root easily and flower, but will NEVER have a cool swollen caudex. The reason for grafting is mainly because people want to. It gives you the ability to put several colors of flower on one tree. Again, as long as it is a seed grown plant all will have a swollen caudex. The trick to that is when you repot to "pick up" the plant a little and not plant it as deep. The little roots will then drive themselves into the dirt and for some reason swell up making the caudex thicker and pretty bizarre looking. Its great! (You will notice a difference in just a couple months!) I'm in zone 6 and take my eight(!) indoors in the winter times. Sometimes they will flower off and on; others drop their leaves. Putting them outside in the spring thru fall, man, they just flourish and are GORGEOUS!!!! I may actually have some pictures somewhere. Anyway, I don't think any one would be better for a beginner. Whatever you can get your hands on. I have a bunch of great websites for them also, if you'd like. These are great plants. I hope I answered all your questions! I'm not lucky with seeds because you plant these differently than anyother seeds. I'll just buy the plant. However, if you can raise from seed, you are supposed to be able to speed up their growth rate! Maybe I'll try again this winter! I'll check back to see if you have any more questions!! |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| I think the reason for grafts is because 1) hybrids do not reproduce from seed and 2) is more predictable than taking cuttings. Some cuttings will attain thickened roots and will be similar in appearance to seed-grown plants, but it is strongly dependent on the growers ability to provide enough heat, sun, water and fertilizer during the plant's juvenile years when growth is quickest. You can buy a graft and then take cuttings if you want something more "pure". |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| Kelly, hi there. I have been following this post with great interest, especially the bit about getting the stem to swell nicely. I have a 5inch baby A. Obesum that I have grown from seed earlier this year. It is already developing a nicely swollen stem but I am interested in making it even more bizarre. As we are autumnal now here in the UK I will eventually bring it into the house where I can keep an eye on it as I daren't leave it in the g/h during the winter even though that will be heated to keep out any frost. My question is...Is it too late in the season to repot it and lift it up a little out of the compost or should I be patient and wait till next spring? We are still getting some lovely hot sunny days and it is continuing to put on leaf and stem growth and it looks really healthy with deep green shiny leaves and several small branches forming. Would post a pic but am on my husbands computer at the mo as mine has lost its internet connection, duh, but will try later on. Thanks, Gill. |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum) picture
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Kelly, me again, just realised I had posted a pic on here a few days ago...try the link I've put below to see the DR in question...hope it works! Gill. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Desert Rose pic
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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- Posted by gee8ch Zone 9 SoCali (My Page) on
Sat, Sep 8, 07 at 8:48
| Kelly: Many, Many Thanks for the GREAT info on this new-to-me plant. My local Wal-Mart has nada; same for Home Depot. I can't seem to find a Lowes in my area. Not even in the phone book!! Today I'll be going to a Wal-Mart about 40 miles down the freeway. (Don't I sound like a woman with a mission?) lol Will def. be going online, sure could use any sites you want to share. Am really anxious to get some of these plants. I think they are beautiful, and interesting to look at even when not in bloom. Gloria |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| greenclaws you should probably be patient and wait to repot until spring when there will be many more months of active growth, but if you can keep your seedling growing through its first winter with ample sun and warmth, then repotting is beneficial. quickest growth is attained in the first few years, so frequent repotting is essential. however, if it goes dormant naturally, do not force growth. x |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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I had to repot two of mine because they had become so rootbound that they split the pots they were in. I lift them about 1/2" higher out of the soil each time I repot. I have some beautiful caudexes developed but for some reason all my older adeniums dropped their buds this summer (several times). The foliage still looks great and I have lots of new growth so I have no idea what the problem was. Karyn |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Here are some pics of my desert roses:
Can I tell you this is the fourth time I am writing this!!!!! I'm having issues. Greenclaws- I agree with xerophyte you should probably wait. If you repot now you won't get the swollen caudex that you want. But, you probably would this spring. I would be pretty attached to a plant I raised from seed, so I don't want you to do the wrong thing. However, I got a small one shipped to me in 100 degree weather in July, I put it on a plant shelf, my cat knocked it off, the DR was MIA was two weeks, I found it, replanted it (no lifting) and stuck it outside. It's the small one. These are tough plants that don't mind experimentation. But yours is so young...you decide I can't! gee8ch- Is that like G H? Anyway, I posted some pics (obviously) but gardenweb would not let me post the websites, I don't really understand why. Maybe they thought I was trying to sell something? Anyway, if you want to email me personally, I'll send you the websites. They are great sites! Here's my email: kellyhitt678@hotmail.com. Greenclaws if you want to email me for the sites, too, feel free. |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| karyn- One of mine kept aborting its buds this summer and upon closed inspection there were these white bugs that didn't really move. They were really gross. I picked most of them off and sprayed the rest and after that it put on buds and they bloomed! I also had a lot of beautiful foliage on two of mine and they wouldn't bloom. I pulled off all the leaves but the top three on each branch and they bloomed. This could totally be a coincidense, but it still happened on both of them. I wish I would have taken pictures when ther were all in full bloom. Mine go through crazy bloom cycles like my regular roses! |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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- Posted by gee8ch zone 9 SoCali (My Page) on
Sat, Sep 8, 07 at 23:45
| Kelly: wonderful pix. They are an inspiration!! Yes, GH. Sending you my e-mail, altho it should be listed here on MyPage. Gloria |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Thanks to all for the advice. Great pics Kelly, BTW....you have e-mail. Regards, Gill. |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Kelly your adeniums are beautiful. There's definitely no insects and I don't think any type of disease. Maybe it had to do with repotting. I noticed that the plants that weren't repotted bloomed just fine. I'll see what happens next year. Karyn |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| Kelly, great desert rose pics. Now what's up with that hacked back sago on the table? |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Gloria I sent you an email through GW then I saw your email on the member page so you might get the same message twice if the GW email is actually working for once. Karyn |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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- Posted by gee8ch zone 9 SoCali (My Page) on
Tue, Sep 11, 07 at 11:09
| Thanks, Karyn. Got the e-mail (not thru GW) jave sent reply. Again, thanks. Will pursue suggestions. Gloria |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| Dave- My sago had healthy leaves all winter (when I bought it). It was putting on new leaves and I didn't know what to do with it and they kept growing and growing and growing and growing and...you get the picture. By the time I got the plant outside, the leaves were three feet long and then ALL the leaves either got sucked of nutrients and turned brown or got sun burnt and turned a different shade of brown. I finally cut everything off to try and induce one last of flush of leaves before fall. There are some coming! |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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- Posted by gee8ch zone 9 SoCali (My Page) on
Sun, Sep 16, 07 at 10:32
| Hi Kelly: Took your advice and followed the links you sent. OMG! I'm Bonkers for these plants. Here's what I've done in the past 24 hrs. Drove 35 miles to garden cntr where I bought a very tall DR, (the only one they had). Then online (Buried Treasure) ordered: Octopussy and Uranus (both "large"). Then on E-Bay won: Harry Potter; Noble Concubine; and Chubbiness. Whew! The addiction has taken hold! (grinning) Can't wait for them to arrive. Sure to have lots of questions for you. Thanks for all your advice and info. Gloria |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| Gloria Adenium can become addicting, be careful! The named hybrids you mentioned are true to name only from cuttings. The downside is that cuttings are less likely to develop a fat caudex than a seed-grown plant. But it may very well not matter to many people, and at least you know for sure what the flowers are. Adenium don't grow much taller after they are a few years old, instead they get fatter as they mature. If you want a tall plant the height must be achieved in the early years. |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| Oh my you do have the sickness! You are very lucky, when I first got the sickness it was during winter. NO ONE ships during winter. That was aweful! Oh, won't you just love to post pictures!! I'm so glad you got a Uranus, isn't that the one you were really wanting? Ya know, you may be able to keep yours outside most of the year being in a zone 9! Lucky you! I have a noble concubine (isn't that kinda funny to say?) and a big chubbiness. They just aren't in bloom right now. Although you don't have them yet, you might want to start preparing. IMO, it's best to plant them in a shallow dish-like planter until you become fine-tuned to their watering routine. They hate wet feet! Mine are plantedin reguler pots, but half the pot is filled with styrofoam peanuts to make it considerably more shallow. This spring when I repot, my biggest ones will be going into ceramic dish pots. By that time, the plants will be the appropriate size for them. I'm so excited to repot!!!!!! I just can't wait. But, whatever, I guess I will. I know you will love your plants. Don't be discouraged if what you receive is not exactly what you had expected, they typically lose most of the leaves they had right after shipping. This happened to me, and I FREAKED OUT! It was fine, I repotted them and put them outside, and in about a week I had probably a dozen beautiful little leaves. From there they took off! It didn't matter the company, this happened with all the plants that were shipped. So, no worries! Conratulations again!! |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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- Posted by gee8ch zone 9 SoCali (My Page) on
Mon, Sep 17, 07 at 12:58
| Xerophyte ... TOO LATE!! The fever is upon me! I wish I could learn the slow approach to interests :-) The one from the Gard. Cntr is a grafted plant. The 2 large ones are supposed to have decent caudexi (pl. sp?) Don't know what the others will be ... hope I don't have to be worried :-( Kelly: Glad you mentioned about the potting. The taalll one from the garden cntr seems to be in too large a pot and the soil seems to stay wet too long. Will def. repot this one right away. Bought Cactus Potting Soil, Ground Pumice, Perlite, and Osmocote Time Release Fert. (18-18-18)also some fish fertilizer. Think I've got it all ready. Glad you prepped me for the ones coming in by mail. I'm sure I would have gone ballistic without your warning lol. Thanks All. Gloria |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Take a look at the adenium pics that I posted links to on the other thread. I'd give my eye teeth for any of them. Gloria congrats on your new babies. You really do have it bad. lol Karyn |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Gloria- I wish I knew the slow approach to things, too. Not in my blood! I don't know which garden center you got yours from, but I've gotten several at Lowes...some where planted just right, others...others, not so much. Just gently squeeze the caudex, it will tell you if it has been overwatered, IMO. A graft onto a plant grown from seed will produce the swollen caudex. It's those plants grown from cuttings that don't form nearly as swollen a caudex. (this could also depend on type) Yes, I felt the need to tell ya what may be waiting for you inside those boxes when they come. I nearly had had a break down when I received mine. But, I thought I am going to baby them and nurse them back, etc, etc. Didn't need to. They pulled out of it beautifully. BUT, these were healthy plants to begin with; I'm sure reputable sellers only send those kind (fingers crossed). I was planning to just chalk mine up to a lesson learned when, they just began to grow! Gotta love these plants. They remind me of dogs: very eager to please! Kelly P.S. I think I already know the answer to this question, but, is there a way to create just an adenium forum on garden web? OR, is there just not enough people? I would hang out everyday. I have also seen some adenium questions on the cacti and succlent pages. Just thought I'd ask. |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| There is an active Adenium Forum on Yahoo! Groups, I'd post the link but GW does not allow it |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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- Posted by gee8ch zone 9 SoCali (My Page) on
Tue, Sep 18, 07 at 8:49
Karyn: I agree! Any one would be great to have. :-) (also looking for Buddhas Hand) I'm just not a well person ... LOLx3!! Kelly: Finally tracked 2 Lowes down; none of them in the area have DR. I found the tall lanky one in an Armstrong grdn cntr about 35 miles away (my local Armstrong's had none) It was sort of tucked behind a bunch of Cactus plants. It is grafted, and has a good base, but really is taller than the flowering pics I've seen on this forum. Will see what it does. Gloria |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Gloria I have a Buddha's Hand citron. I can send you a cutting in the spring. Karyn |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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- Posted by gee8ch zone 9 SoCali (My Page) on
Tue, Sep 18, 07 at 18:38
| WOW, Karyn What would we do without you ... don't even want to think about that! Thanks so very much. The ones I've seen online are costing anywhere from $50-60.00. Been very busy setting up for Brugs, Daturas, Adeniums, so this month's "play" money is loong gone lol. Sure would appreciate your keeping me in mind come spring. Many thanks, Gloria |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Gloria I buy most of my citrus trees from Four Winds in CA. All are grafted onto dwarf rootstock. You can buy 1 yr or 2-3 yr old trees. All are very healthy and they have great customer service. They have an excellent rating on GWD. Karyn |
Here is a link that might be useful: Four Winds Growers
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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- Posted by gee8ch zone 9 SoCali (My Page) on
Wed, Sep 19, 07 at 7:49
| Thanks for the link, Karyn. Looking online, most of the other nurserys are in Florida. I guess there is a ban on shipping Citrus between CA and FL., so a CA based nsry would be the best bet for me. Do you suggest my buying a 1 yr or 2-3 yr-old tree? Are these hardy? And do you think they would like So Cal's DRY, HOT climate? Gloria |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Gloria I buy 2-3 yr old trees. I think it should do fine in your zone. They don't like having wet feet. I allow my citrus to dry out between waterings. Talk to customer service and they'll tell you what will do well in your yard. Karyn |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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You can get the small ones for $4.99 at Mainly Seconds in Tustin off Chapman in Southern California, I just got my first one yesterday. The only problem is you don't know what colors they are. Mainly Seconds have wonderful plants and they will even transplant them into a pot for you. |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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- Posted by gee8ch zone 9 SoCali (My Page) on
Wed, Sep 19, 07 at 22:11
| Hi Angelsmell: Think you are referring to DR and not to Buddhas Hand Citron. Sounds like a great place. I know where I'll be going this weekend :-) Took my MA from Chapman U. and in all the time travelling out that way never knew of Mainly Seconds! Thanks very much for the heads-up. Looking forward to seeing what they have. Gloria |
ARRIVAL of My Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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- Posted by gee8ch zone 9 SoCali (My Page) on
Thu, Sep 20, 07 at 9:12
| Hey Kelly & Karyn: Adeniums from Buried Treasure arrived Yesterday. (Wed) Very quick considering I ordered online late Saturday!) They are both nice and big (these people are very generous with their measurements ... I ordered Large and they are!) Octopussy has been pruned ... no leaves, three big branches. Uranus has 4 branches and lots of leaves. Both looking good and healthy. Both have been grafted and have Fat, Solid Cauldexes (cauldexi?)I would not hesitate to order from this Co. again. Looks like Value for the money. Wouldn't you know WE GOT RAIN! WoW! My Brugs are dancing, waving, and all around smiling and nodding!!! It's been a loong DRY Year. I guess the secret is to buy Desert Plants (or wash the car!) Questions later. Gloria |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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I dont' know where you live buy They have them at Mainly Seconds in Tustin, they have them in 4 inch pots and are selling for $4.99, I just bought one there last week, they aren't in bloom so you don't know what color they are. Good Luck! |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum) at Mainly Seconds
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| I just want to make it clear I was reffering to the Desert Rose plants at Mainly Seconds, they have quite a few of them on a table on the right when you walk in. Mainly seconds is a great place for plants pottery and other decorating items. They will even pot your plants for you free. Good luck let me know what your find. |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| I recently discovered Adeniums and came across this thread while searching for info. I was wondering if anyone knew of where I could find one in Canada. I dont think I have ever seen one at any of our local walmarts or anything. Is there a mail order place that will ship to canada?? Thanks! |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| Hi all, for those of you having problems staring adeniums from seed I suggest soaking them for approx 24 hours in warm water. I have heat mats and threw a bunch of seeds in a tub of water. Left them for appox 24 hours and then planted them VERY shallowly in Premium Seed Starting Jiffy Mix (about 3.50 a bag at Home Depot). They are potted in small 2 x 2 green plastic containers and live on a heat mat under flourescent lights. I have never had an adenium in my life and out of 60 planted 54 sprouted and are now happily growing (although slowly). I just ordered and have received a bunch more seeds (over 500, LOL) so I will be planting more soon. I did originally try planting a few seeds without soaking them and although treated exactly the same as the ones that were soaked, none sprouted, so I hope this will help someone who wishes to grow from seed :) I appreciate all the above info about lifting them when repotting as I am new at this and didn't know. I have two little baby albino's and I don't know if they will make it or not but they sure are trying. I also have a baby that looks like it might be variegated and several with longer pointy leaves rather than the little round baby leaves. It's neat to look at the different traits of each as if you look closely you can see different characteristics in a few. Thank you all for this thread, it has been very informative :) |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| i'm new to this site and looking for information on where i can buy desert roses in Canada.Plants or seeds or both |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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hello, kookie and peanut gardener, i live in ontario and i got mine from gardening nurseries. they are not always available; however, there is a mailorder store in montreal: http://www.floraexotica.ca/Flower-DesertRose.htm where it can be ordered. i have ordered other plants from them and the ones i rec'd were in good shape. i have ordered adenium seeds from another place in montreal ( I can't remember the name of the place) and the survivors are growing well. i started the seeds in summer of 2007 and i think one of them is showing signs of flowering. there are some mailorder seed companies in the USA who can send seeds to canada. i have ordered other types of seeds from them and rec'd them OK. some of these places also have adenium seeds. good luck. sue |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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koOkie where in canada do you live??? can you give me an email??? diggy |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| My baby was a gift and is only about 7" tall with little swelling at base of trunk. Is going straight up....How to get it to branch..pinch? Will post pic when have time to figure out how.... |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| See above message...Hope I am posting a picture.... |
Here is a link that might be useful: PhotoBucket
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| ZacBit here....Still appreciate any info you can give me. Please see two above messages....Photo is posted under "PhotoBucket" link in second message. (14:11). Have a very small plant as you will see in photo. Is growing straight up. Need to know how to make it branch..and any other advice you can give me. Thank you |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Hi ZacBit i found this info for you... Leggy growth generally means insufficient light. New branches grow longer to get the leaves closer to what light there is. Pruning of branches is done with pruning shears or bonsai scissors, depending on the thickness. You need an idea of what kind of shape (style) you are going for before pruning. You make each cut based on the direction of the last latent bud left below the cut, the new branch will sprout in that direction. It helps them to mist generously after pruning. If you want to encourage branching at the end of an existing branch, then pinch the terminal growth. and this too.. My experience with Adeniums is that you can cut the branches where ever you want a new branch to grow. I typically cut the branch about 2" long. I use a sharp knife to cut mine. After cutting back I would not fertilize until I had new growth. A regular fertilizer is fine. I use the all purpose Miracle Grow and Peter's plant foods. and her is some really good adenium info too here is a link http://www.tropicanursery.com/adenium/cultivation.htm |
Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.tropicanursery.com/adenium/cultivation.htm
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Thank you Sunnygreece. Good info and web site. Think I need to prune to make my plant develop branches..Need an opinion..A photo of my plant is available in the Sun. May 17,09 14:11 message by clicking on the "PhotoBucket" link. Think I should just pinch top or prune much lower? Will not grow into a good plant as it is going, so really nothing to risk..... |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Hi there Zacbit, I too grow Adeniums, but from seed as we rarely see them for sale here in the UK...I have only seen them once and I couldn't afford one. I have 5, 6" high ones that are 15 mth old or so and some seeds sprouting as we speak. I pinched the tips from a couple of them, I can't recall which ones but the middle one (shaped like yours) I left to grow on its own as I liked the bottle shape of the caudex. Until recently it was just like yours, growing from one growth point and going straight up, so I pinched out the top a few weeks ago...it resulted in a 3 growths pushing out from the shoulders of the swollen part..I didnt like the look of them there so I just rubbed them off. Now there are branches just beginning to form from most of the leaf axils, exactly where I wanted them to sprout from. It will hopefully leave the bottle shaped caudex clear of leaves etc. and make a fuller top. Its all down to personal choice really how you wish your plant to look. I'll take some close up pics for you tomorrow as its almost 11pm here. BTW...If you do use your fingernail to pinch the tip off, make sure you wash the sap off very well as it is poisonous to some extent..you would probably have to eat your DR to have enough to do any damage though!!! PLEASE don't try it!!!
 |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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THANK YOU SO MUCH Greenclaws for giving me direction. Have been frustrated without knowing how to care for this plant. I pinched out the top this AM as you did and will watch carefully to see how the plant responds. Looking forward to seeing your close-up. I haven't figured out how to post pics in body of message. Can only post links from "PhotoBucket".. Your home is so beautiful. OK to ask what part of UK that you live in? We are in US/Southeast Texas about 60 miles from Gulf of Mexico. Our countryside would be covered in weeds! Yours looks amazing... |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Zacbit..have done a separate post for you as this thread seems to take forever to load on my usually fast PC..see you there. Gill. |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| Have caught the Desert Rose "fever"! After reading here about plants being available at Walmart...Found this one stuck back after all others gone. THRILLED..Will give it lots of TLC...Need advice on how to do that...Looks sad and base has been cut, but seems to be healthy enought...Appreciate comments...See pic at link below..Hope it works...First small one posted about earlier is unchanged..... |
Here is a link that might be useful: PhotoBucket photo of second Desert Rose
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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- Posted by pharoah Sherman Oaks CA (My Page) on
Thu, Jun 11, 09 at 23:48
| I just purchased my first DR too! It is a Ruby Red flower. It's only about 5 or 6 inches tall, but is multi-branched and in bloom. I'm hoping it's not too late to initiate vigorous growth, as I've seen some AMAZING large adeniums. Greenclaws your DR's are gorgeous! Tony |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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SLOW but sure...Posting pic directly into body of message, I hope... r="0" alt="Second Desert Rose"> |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Hello Tony, must say I'm glad to see a fellow Plumeria-person turning into yet another Adenium-addict!! I've only ever seen one batch of Adeniums for sale over here and they weren't that big either, but there are some amazing pics on the net of some real monsters. Zacbit, hi again, got your email btw. Your newly purchased chubby guy looks real cute! I really like his crossed legged pose! As I've said before I am no DR expert, this is just what works for me....On both plants, I would check out the growing medium as they really do have to be in a fast draining mix. For instance, I use a chunky cactus mix, stone chippings, perlite and bark in equal amounts. The top of the soil is also covered in the stone chips to keep water away from the stem. I water throughly and let it all drain through and never let them sit in water although I do stand their saucers in a flooded tray as we dont usually get high humidity here. They are currently in the g/h and on a sunny day temps can get up into the high 80'sC and they are growing steadily. Whether I can replicate the conditions well enough to get them to flower I dont know, but I'll keep on trying! If you do repot, check the roots and cut away any dead, brown or soft ones, let the cuts dry and then re-pot. The caudex should be hard, softness can be confusing...either due to rot OR dryness so you have to work out which is the cause but I theink yours apears OK on that score. With warmth, plenty of light and some food it should put on growth and be a great plant. As for the little one, mine also took quite a while to sprout new branches from the leaf nodes after I pinched the tops out. BTW, I would be wary of the 'material' the surrounding the trunk...it looks like Spanish Moss?? If it were mine I would remove it and replace with gravel chips, trying to expose a little more of the base of the caudex...but again just my thoughts. It looks very healthy the leaves are very green and shiny so I think it will do just fine..in time! |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| Thank you so much Greenclaws....I think you are an expert judging by pics of your plants..I will follow your advice to the letter....Have more questions if I may .What kind of fertilizer, amount, frequency etc....? Is there a dormant period in the winter and what to expect...leaf drop?? We have high humidity here and mostly mild winters..Have read to bring them in if temp is below 50 degrees..Have a sunny West window...Think that is not ideal...But garage on East side of house and much overhang on N and S....On new fatty plant ..just let limbs develop as started? Sorry for so many questions...Intrigued with these plants...Thanks again...........ZacBit |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Hi Zacbit, just one word of caution if I may? Please do remember....what works for me MAY not work for you as we have totaly different growing conditions here in the UK compared to yourself in Texas!! I can't emphasise this enough and would hate to be the cause of the demise of your plants. As for the fertiliser, I just use a general purpose flowering house plant one, nothing special, but its a UK brand with an almost equal 'NPK' ratio, all ferts should have this quoted somewhere on them. Frequency depends on your specific conditions really, I generally water with feed once a week during the warmer months and flush the pots with plain water once a month. Obviously far far less in winter and no feed at all. My plants stay in the greenhouse for the warmer months and the house for the winter so obviously rely on me for all water unlike outdoor ones, so you have to judge mainly by weight if they need water..adeniums can take a reasonable amount of water when in full leaf and growing. Mine went semi-dormant in winter, in as much as they didn't grow much, but as I had the problem with them starting to rot they dropped a lot of leaves anyway! This was their first winter so I don't yet know what to expect in the future. The new plant looks a nice shape IMHO, it's all down to personal taste really how you like to grow/shape them. If it were mine (and I wish it were !) I would hope for more sprouts to form off the main branches you already have. Try not to fiddle about with it too much, let it settle in its new compost (if you have decided to re-pot it), and most of all, be patient, it and the baby one should burst forth when ready. Have attached a link to a very good site with tons of info I use. Keep us posted. Regards, Gill. |
Here is a link that might be useful: this is a brill site to read through
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Wow, Have you noticed this link began in 2007?! So, anyway, what I have read in here is that if one wants their Desert Rose to grow more arms you need to pinch off the ones it has. Mine are alive but tend to be struggling. One I thought that was heading for the trash recently put out a couple little leaves. Here's a pic of the ones I have. The two smallest I started from seeds, the two larger I got already sprouted. Any words of wisdom would be oh so highly appreciated. Lauri 
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RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Hi there Lauri! Nice to chat with you again. Yes this thread is getting bigger/older by the day, I tried to get another thread going from it but it 'keeps on truckin' as they say!! OK, you realise I'm no DR expert as I've pointed out to Zacbit above, but if those were mine........ 1/ I'd want to make sure they were in the right type of compost. It must be very free draining, even more so than plumie soil IMHO. They can grow in pure grit I've read! 2/ Have ALL the pots got drainage holes as they really do need a free draining pot? 3/ I would be tempted to prune the big ones severely, this should get them to sprout new growths and make them more compact. Perhaps the 2 seedlings may get away with not being chopped yet and sprout once in a better soil mix. 4/ They need lots of light, even if its not in direct hot sun, they look as if they are starved of light. 5/ I water only when the pot feels lighweight, I give a good drench and let ALL the water drain away, don't ever let it stand in water. They can survive dry times better than wet I find. 6/ Check out the link in my post above for good advice from REAL experts. This as I say is what works for me, it may not for you...sounds brutal, sorry, not meant to be!! Have alook at the first of my DR's in the link below, it was on its way to being tall and lanky so I pinched the top out a few weeks ago. It took a while with UK conditions to sprout a series of new growths, but it did. I think it will now make a better plant. All the other 4 have had their tops nipped at some stage. Oh and yes...my plumies are doing good from your seeds, will post some pics for you tomorrow. Hopefully someone else will be able to add some more to this to try and help you out. Just hope what I've written is OK. Take care and good luck with the DR's, Gill. |
Here is a link that might be useful: check out my first pic on here Lauri
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Thanks SO MUCH for the info Gill. A couple of the pots don't have drainage at all. I am going to re-pot all in better draining soil and do a little pinching of the larger ones. They get about a half a day of sunlight in the afternoon. I'll try experimenting a bit to see if I can find a good spot for them to get more. I'll probably be around a bit more now that school is over, thank goodness. That was a long three years for an old lady! Lauri |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Repotted both plants...PLEASE CRITIQUE...Ceramic pots OK? Drain well...Raised up small plant...Roots exposed..OK? Thank you. ZacBit
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RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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Hi there again, both are looking good in my opinon! I must say I do like your pots!! If plant No2 is being stubborn and continues to be slow to sprout branches or decides to head only skywards, I would pinch the top out, down to the topmost set of big leaves. It will weep a sticky poisonous sap for a few minutes, I just cover the cut with a piece of tissue to absorb it. That should then encourage side branches to grow in the nodes of the lower leaves. Thanks for the latest email and the links in it, great pics BTW. Keep in touch, Gill : ¬ ) |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| Zacbit here again..Well, Desert Rose fever rages on! I acquired my first small plant in May, bought #2 at local Walmart in June, and just found #3 and #4 at Walmart again. My #1 is unchanged, pinched top out and no new growth so far. #2 has really filled out. #3 and #4 were only ones with leaves at Walmart. I think they look good. Need comments on how to care for this winter. Will they go dormant and lose all leaves? Should come in if temp below 50 degrees? When and how to fertilize? Appreciate all advice....Get excited in anticipation of blooms! Think this completes my Desert Rose family....Out of space...Love hearing from you..... |
Pictures
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| Attempting to post pics of 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Still working to post pic!
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RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)Links
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| Pictures never appeared...Got message all OK...will try now for links.... |
Here is a link that might be useful: PhotoBucket photos of four plants....
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)Photobucket slideshow
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| Well, will try one more thing....Pics or link didn't work..This is address to album...Ones attempting to show are the first four...here goes! http://s681.photobucket.com/albums/vv172/ZacBic/?albumview=slideshow |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| Zacbit, pics can be tricky. Try this. Copy and past the following into your post: < img src="" > I have added spaces after the < and before the > so text would show up here, so remove those spaces. Then copy your full link from photobucket and paste it in between the two "" marks. Then hit the Preview Message button and your pic should show up. You have nice looking DRs! I just got my first this summer as well. From what I understand they should be brought inside when temps drop into the 50s. Watering should be stopped and they will go dormant and likely lose their leaves much like plumeria. Kevin Here are your pics: #1
#2
#3
#4
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Thank you Kevin/Test
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| Thank you so much Kevin for posting my pics...Another Texan! Will see if I mastered this by posting another picture...Take care...  ">
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RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| I live in Sarasota, FL. I purchased a DR about 3-4 months ago, and it did not flower (3-4 flowers only) until about 3 weeks ago. I have the plant in my covered/screened lanai, facing west. It looks really healthy and green, but it is now dropping healthy leaves all the time even when you touch it. I water it once a week when it gets dry and I have even tried watering it more often. Every once in a while a couple of the leaves will turn yellow first. Any advice? am I overwatering... |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| Barbarafordyce, what you are seeing is very normal and to be expected. Most likely, your desert rose is just preparing to go into dormancy for a while. It may drop all its leaves and not grow new leaves until spring. |
RE: Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
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| Thank-you plumeriafl for your advice. I was so worried that I was slowly killing my plant. Now I can go ahead and by some more in the spring with confidence. |
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