Desert Rose (Grower's choice flower color)

The desert rose (Adenium obesum) is a slow-growing plant, only growing about 12 inches per year. It is often used as a bonsai plant thanks to its thick succulent trunk, thin and delicate leaves, and luscious, deep pink trumpeting flowers. It is native to Africa, the Middle East, and Madagascar.

The desert rose is the only Adenium extensively hybridized to obtain different flower colors. In many tropical and warmer climates (USDA zones 11 and 12), it's a widely-used ornamental outdoor plant, and in cooler zones it is grown indoors. It's best planted in the spring, and it will die if exposed to frost and freezing temperatures.

Tending to a desert rose plant is simple, but it does take some finesse. Similar to other succulent plants, it needs careful water management and lots of sunlight. The plant also prefers consistently warm temperatures, which is why it is grown as an indoor plant in many parts of the United States (except for USDA zones 11 and 12). The plant typically blooms during the summer months, erupting with vibrant pink, rose, or red flowers and bright green leaves. When it goes dormant for the winter season, it drops its flowers and foliage.

Light: The desert rose plant thrives in a full sun environment, so choose a spot in your home so that the plant receives ample light throughout the day, like a southern-facing bright windowsill or sunroom. If you live in an area where the desert rose plant can be grown successfully outdoors, select a spot in your garden that is not shaded by taller plants but has some protection from high-noon sun, which can scorch the plant's leaves.

Watering: The desert rose plant has varying water requirements depending on the time of year and temperature. During its growing season (late spring and summer), keep its soil moist but never saturated. Check on the soil periodically and allow it to dry out completely before watering. Also, plant your desert rose in a container that has ample drainage holes. The desert rose can be susceptible to rot if it becomes too moist (a clay or terra cotta pot can also help with wicking away excess moisture).

In the fall and winter months (when the plant typically goes dormant in the wild); drastically reduce moisture, watering only minimally once a month or so. If you're curious if your plant is receiving enough water during its growing season, you can look at its trunk for the answer. A swollen, thick trunk (in proportion to the size of your plant) is a great indication that your plant is well-hydrated.