Sun: full sun
Water: Typical water needs for a succulent
Temperature: Zone 12a from 50° F to 55° F (10° C to 12.8° C)
Winter Survival: Not cold hardy
Propagation: cuttings, seeds, grafting
Flower: in the Spring or Summer
Flower Type:
Toxic: Toxic to humans and animals
Dormant: winter
Space Requirement: Indoors & Outdoors
Common Problems: Plants may rot if overwatered, pests
Where to buy Adenium arabicum?
Basc Care for Adenium arabicum
Watering
Regular watering period should be every 2 weeks
Can you water your succulent more than what its need? The answer is yes and no. In extreme conditions, you can water your plants more often when you notice the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizing
Only feed this succulent during its active growing seasons which means winter. Use the right fertilizer applied in the right amounts. Applying half-strength balanced fertilizer every month or so is recommended for optimal results.
Do not fertilize during winter as the plant is dormant.
Sun & Location Requirements for "Desert rose flower or Elephant’s Foot Plant"
To ensure Adenium arabicum grows to its fullest potential, make sure it receives plenty of direct sunlight. Aim for six hours or more of full sun a day – the ideal place would be near a sunny window or outdoors in your garden. Monitor the leaves closely; if they become pale or soft, relocate the plant to a sunnier spot.
Adenium arabicum is not cold hardy and does not survive in freezing conditions. However, there are certain strategies that can be used to help the plant thrive despite the chill of winter. Proper drainage and insulation are essential for succulent X during periods of extreme cold. Placing a layer of mulch or gravel on the soil around the plant can also help keep it warm.
In order to protect Adenium arabicum from freezing temperatures, it is important to provide adequate insulation and drainage. A layer of mulch or gravel will help protect the roots by keeping them warm during cold weather. In addition, protection from wind and sun exposure can help reduce the chances of frost damage.
Adenium arabicum also benefits from some indirect light throughout the day as well, so make sure you give it enough space to soak up light without becoming too exposed to heat.
Propagation
One way to propagate Adenium arabicum is by cutting
Propagating Adenium arabicum from seeds is a great way to produce new plants without relying on cuttings or divisions. It's important to look for healthy, dark and plump seeds that are slightly sticky when touched. The soil should be pre-mixed with well-draining potting mix, before evenly sowing the seeds and pressing them into the surface. To ensure successful germination, gentle misting of the soil should be done and placed in indirect light.
Grafting is an effective way to propagate Adenium arabicum. It involves carefully cutting and splicing two plants together, creating a strong fusion between the two. This ensures that the plant can grow in a healthy manner, with minimal risk of damage to either part.
Toxicity
The leaves of Adenium arabicum contain an array of toxins that can lead to symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea and even death if ingested. It is essential to keep this plant away from both humans and animals.
Pests and Diseases
Adenium arabicum can be affected common pests and diseases like most of the other succulents such as mealybugs, scale insects, and Red spider mites.
If you do spot any of pest signs, you can treat your succulent using below methods.
- Mealybugs: quarantine, clean infected plants, soapy water.
- Scale insects: quarantine, clean infected plants, soapy water.
- Red spider mites: Quarantine, clean your infected plants, treatment with a systemic insecticidal/soapy water.
Besides that, to prevent serious health issues from happening, keep your succulent in a well-ventilated area and check it regularly for any signs of pests or health problems.