Desert rose
Adenium obesum · Family Apocynaceae
Also known as: adenium, impala lily, mock azalea
- Light
- Full sun
- Watering
- Every 10 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Pet-safe
- No, keep it away from cats and dogs
Care
Where to put it
The sunniest windowsill in the house or a warm conservatory.
Light
Full sun for as many hours as possible.
Watering
Water only when the compost is dry; keep almost dry in winter.
About the plant
It has a thick, sculptural stem that stores water, called a caudex, and flowers in shades of pink, red and white. It is much prized as a natural bonsai. It needs lots of sun and little water.
Origin
Native to the Arabian Peninsula and dry regions of East and sub-Saharan Africa.
What it likes
- Full sun
- Very sandy compost
- Warmth
What it dislikes
- Soggy compost
- Cold below 10 °C
- Shade
Did you know?
Its sap is toxic and was once used by African peoples to poison the tips of hunting arrows.
