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Plant Profiles / Desert rose
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Desert rose
Adenium obesum · Impala lily, mock azalea
A swollen, sculptural trunk crowned with glossy leaves and bright pink, red or white trumpet flowers.
Full sunLight
Weekly in summerWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
6+ hours of sun.
Water
Weekly in summer
DryWet
Water when dry; almost none in winter.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry air.
Temperature
12–40°C (54–104°F)
CoolWarm
Protect below 10°C.
Growth
Slow
SlowFast
Grows 0.5–1.5 m in pots.
Soil
Cactus and succulent mix
LeanRich
Very free-draining mix.
Fertiliser
Monthly in summer
RarelyOften
Bloom fertiliser in warm months.
Pet safety
Highly toxic
SafeToxic
Very toxic to pets and people.
About this plant
From Africa and Arabia, desert rose stores water in its thick caudex. It loves heat and sun and rests in cool weather. All parts and sap are highly toxic.
Best spots
Hot sunny balconies, courtyards and bright conservatories.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Adenium obesum |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Origin | Africa, Arabia |
| Plant type | Caudiciform succulent |
| Mature size | 0.5–1.5 m |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Flowers | Pink, red or white trumpets |
| Toxicity | Highly toxic |
| Propagation | Seed or grafting |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Repot
Flowering
Prune
Rest
RepotFloweringPruneRest
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Leaf drop in winter | Normal dormancy. |
| Soft caudex | Rot; stop watering. |
| Few flowers | More sun and feed. |
| Yellow leaves | Cold or overwatering. |
Common questions
Is it toxic?
Yes, highly.
Does it lose leaves?
Often in winter.
Can it grow indoors?
Only in very bright spots.
How do I fatten the trunk?
Lift it slightly at each repot.
