Hi Terry,
Desert
rose (Adenium obesum) is a
succulent member of the Oleander family. (Note: Oleander family member
plants are poisonous to pets and children.) In fact, many desert
roses are actually grafted onto an oleander before they are sold. The grafted version will grow faster and produce more
flowers. The non-grafted form has a bulbous, water-storing stem at the base (called a caudex). The grafted desert
rose has a long, thin stem with a grafting lump higher up on the stem.
Desert
rose must be in direct sun all year round if you want it to
flower. That pretty much limits it to an unobstructed south-facing window.
In winter, desert
rose has a dormant period during which it should be allowed to dry completely and kept in cool temps (55 to 60 degrees). It will shed most of its leaves during dormancy so don"t be alarmed. In the
spring, resume normal watering and fertilize sparingly.
flowers usually appear in April and again in September. In late fall, as the light decreases, leaves will start to drop. That is a signal that it is going into its dormant period.
Grafted desert
roses can withstand warmer temps in winter and should be fertilized a bit more frequently.