Sunday, August 9, 2009

Adenium arabicum (Desert Rose)

A few weeks ago I purchased some Adenium arabicum black RCN seeds. I'm still waiting to receive them but I've done some research on the best method to germinate and grow them. There are various methods but the one I'll include below is most applicable for North America and Europe.


GERMINATION:

Sow within 3 months of harvest (sooner is better)
25 - 33C
Soak for 2 - 4 hours before planting
Plant seeds horizontal at 1cm depth
Water lightly 3 - 5 times per day (spray bottle may be best)
Do not let dry out, keep moist but not wet
Partial sun
5 - 30 days to germinate (possibly more)
My mix - 1/4 manure, 1/4 potting mix, 1/2 sand (maintain moisture but good drainage)

EARLY CARE:

Once two mature leaves, let dry between watering
Recommended to spray weak fertilizer on leaves for first two months
Well aerated but moisture retaining soil, slightly acidic
Pot depth > 15cm
Cannot get water logged
Should be 1:1 water drainage to retention soil mix
My mix - 1/4 peat, 1/4 manure, 1/4 orchid mix, 1/4 sand
Full sun 2 weeks after germination
Move to 4" pots after one month, can remain here until flowering

CARE:

Fertilize weekly at 40% concentration (often but little)
Barely water when entering dormancy, not at all when dormant (only for arabicum)
Full sun and heat
Water media and not leaves
Enjoys humidity but will reduce flower life
Note: Domestic breeds have much higher water tolerance than non-hybrids.

PRUNING:

Many people never prune, but it helps to invigorate old plants
Can prune in spring before growth appears
Very well developed roots so pruning of roots may be necessary (it can take drastic prunings)
Spring is best time for repotting (just after new growth has begun)


I hope this information helps and if you have any tips, suggestions or corrections I would really appreciate it.

5 comments:

  1. This Desert rose at the picture looks really nice. I was sorpised the the many flowers it got on it. It might be becuase of the soil, It must be rich.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have an aDenum at home. this is 3o cm high maybe.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm from Mexico and I love plants, especially exotic plants sicne the first time I saw this plant I loved it. Then I looked it up on the Internet and found it was availabe in different colos and shades. At home I have some other plants (flowering). I ereally enjoy taking care of them. It's my hobbie. jovazimo@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. By the way. The information you posted is really helpful. This plant is not common in here.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm glad you found it useful. Happy to help! There are a bunch more posts about Adenium, so feel free to take a look around.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for contributing!

Related Posts with Thumbnails