Hello all,
A few months ago I bought a Desert Rose (adenium obejum). Now according to what I have read online it is normal after blooming for it to loose it's leaves and go into a rest period. My question is is there anything I should do at this point. Should I cut back the green stems, stop watering? Any help would be great. I really like this plant and I want it to do well.

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.

Will,

If desert roses require year round direct sun to bloom, is it a waste of time trying them in the PacNW where it rains all winter? Will they tolerate little sun during dormancy?

Hi Cricket,

I am depressed just reading your description of PacNW winter weather!

I never say never, but I would have to say that the odds are against good desert rose flowering in your location. However, given your relatively mild climate, perhaps you can keep one outside longer and that might be enough to make up for the lack of indoor winter light.

Why don't you try one and report back to the rest of us on your success or lack thereof.

I live in zone 4 and mine blooms I keep mine inside in a sunny window ^.^

~Phoebe

P.S. I remember when i first joined the forum and Mr. Creed gave me the exact same answer on how to care for one lol. It started losing its leaves, and that's cuz i was taking too much care of it >.o so i started neglecting it, i water it once every other week or so, and its got new leaves, new branches, and a neat-o flower on the end of one branch

My thoughts exactly!

Thanks for letting me know that, Phoebe. Amazing what a little benign neglect can do sometimes!

Go for it Cricket and good luck!

Will