🌸 Adenium (Desert Rose / Mock Azalea)

Adenium is a striking tropical succulent known for its swollen caudex base, glossy leaves, and vibrant trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of red, pink, white, yellow, and blends. Loved for its sculptural beauty and bonsai-like form, Adenium brings elegance and character to balconies, terraces, sunny gardens, and indoor bright spaces. With proper care, it becomes a long-lived, eye-catching centerpiece plant.

🔆 Light Requirements

Ideal Light:
☀ Full sun – 6–8+ hours daily for strong growth and abundant blooms.

Tolerates: Very high heat and sunlight once established.

Avoid: Low light locations — results in weak, leggy growth and few/no flowers.

💧 Watering Guidelines

When to Water:
Allow soil to dry completely before watering.

Frequency:

• Summer (Active Growth): Once every 5–7 days

• Winter (Dormancy): Once every 15–20 days or less

Important: Overwatering is the most common cause of Adenium death — water sparingly and avoid wetting the caudex.

🌾 Soil & Potting

Soil: Light, airy, fast-draining cactus-type mix.

Ideal Mix:
✔ 40% sandy or gritty soil
✔ 30% perlite or pumice
✔ 30% compost/cocopeat in small amount

Pot:

• Unglazed clay pot recommended to allow faster drying

• Size should allow room for caudex growth

• Ensure large drainage holes

🌱 Fertilization

Feed every 3–4 weeks during growing season (spring–summer).

Best Fertilizer Types:
✔ Low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus bloom booster
✔ Cactus or succulent fertilizer
✔ Epsom salt once every 2 months for healthier foliage

Avoid: Fertilizing during winter dormancy.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage branching.

• Remove dried leaves and stems regularly.

• Occasional root or caudex trimming can be done when repotting (optional for bonsai form).

🪴 Humidity & Temperature

Humidity: Prefers low to moderate humidity.

Temperature: Thrives in 20–40°C (68–104°F).

Protect:
⚠ From frost and cold drafts — Adenium is not cold tolerant.

🌼 Blooming Notes

Blooms best when the plant experiences:

✔ Full sunlight
✔ Slight stress (controlled dryness)
✔ Warm weather
✔ Proper fertilizer

Flowering season is usually spring through monsoon, with intermittent blooms in summer.

🐝 Pollinator Friendly

Attractive to bees, butterflies, and occasional hummingbird-like insects.

⚠️ Pet / Safety Notice

All parts of the plant — especially sap — are toxic if ingested.
Keep away from pets and small children.

✅ Why Choose Adenium?

🌺 Spectacular flowers with bonsai-like form
☀ Perfect for hot, sunny climates and balconies
🪴 Slow-growing, long-lived, and easy to maintain
🌿 Unique sculptural appearance — a living art piece
🏡 Ideal for collectors, terrace gardens, and stylish indoor sunny spots