Desert Azalea

Adenium obesum (a-DEN-ee-um oh-BE-sum)

Family: Apocynaceae Non-native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

Desert rose is a succulent perennial in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) native to desert regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Grow this plant in full sun in potting soil appropriate for cacti and succulents in a pot with several drainage holes. Allow the plant to dry between waterings but water during growing periods, though it is quite drought tolerant. Provide fertilizer in spring to encourage blooming. Bring this plant indoors when outside temperatures reach 55°F and decrease water while dormant. From the thick, succulent, gray-green stem (called a caudex), branches arise with clusters of bright green leaves at their tips. In the summer bell- or funnel-shaped flowers are red to shades of pink or white. Double-flowered cultivars are available. The leaves can be green to variegated. It is often used as a houseplant for its beautiful flowers and charming, small tree-like shape. Desert rose is also used in bonsai. Quick ID Hints: bark is smooth and gray, more textural with age sap is milky and poisonous glossy, leathery, spirally arranged, gray-green to bright green leaves narrow, bell- or funnel-shaped, showy, pink, red, or white flowers that have 5 spreading lobes and 5 stamens slender, green, pod-like fruits that split open when mature and release seeds with tufted ends Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Possible insect pests include aphids, scales, and mealybugs. Fungal leaf spot is an occasional disease problem. Soils that are too wet will produce rots. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti," a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Adenium .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 66 attributes.