Desert Rose
Adenium obesum
Desert Rose is a sun-loving succulent with a thick, swollen trunk (the caudex) and trumpet-shaped flowers. From arid Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, it naturally looks like a small tree or bonsai. Put it on a sunny windowsill or patio and keep the watering light.
Light
Full Sun
Water
Low
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
Low
Pet Warning
The entire plant is highly toxic to pets and humans if ingested. It contains cardiac glycosides which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart rhythm issues. The milky sap can also cause skin irritation.
Care Notes
Light
Give your Desert Rose full sun: at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. A bright south-facing window or sunny patio works best.
Water
Soak the soil until water runs out the drainage holes, then wait until the mix is fully dry before watering again. Cut water sharply in winter dormancy. Overwatering is the fastest path to root rot.
Soil
Use an extremely well-draining cactus or succulent mix with extra perlite or sand. Always plant in a pot with drainage holes.
Humidity & Temperature
Low humidity is fine. Keep temperatures above 50°F (10°C); this plant does not forgive frost. Wear gloves when pruning, since the sap is toxic.
Common Issues
Soft stems and yellow leaves usually mean too much water. Watch for spider mites and mealybugs, especially in dry indoor air.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer or a bloom booster
Soil
Extremely well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
2 to 5 feet indoors; up to 10 feet in the wild
Growth Rate
Slow
Propagation
Propagated via stem cuttings or seeds. Grafting is also common for specific flower colors.
Common Varieties
Noble Concubine
Pointed elliptical leaves with a green center and broad creamy-white margins.
Apollo
Irregular creamy-white and deep green variegation on lance-shaped leaves, sometimes edged in pinkish red.
Black Fire
Glossy deep-green lance-shaped leaves in a spiral habit, set against near-black blossoms.
Arrogant
Lance-shaped leaves with high-contrast creamy white and deep green variegation and slightly ruffled edges.
Crispum
Narrow leaves with wavy margins and clear white midribs and veining.