The desert rose, known as 'Adenium obesum', is easy to fall in love with this stunning beauty; it's not really a rose but has amazingly beautiful trumpet flowers that people love. 

The leaves are typically bright green, waxy with reddish edges, and shiny on both the upper and lower sides, distinguishing them from the arabicum (desert rose).

It can grow up to 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide, making it a true showstopper among other succulent plants.

The blooms of the low-maintenance desert rose plant are trumpet-shaped bright pink, red, and white flowers that appear in spring and summer, have a sweet fragrance, and can last for several weeks.

This desert rose can be pruned to produce a compact canopy of leaves and flowers.

Native to Southwestern Africa, the Adenium obesum is a deciduous plant with a smaller caudex than Adenium arabicum, which is most frequently used as a desert rose bonsai plant. The Adenium obesum, with its long, narrow, and pointed leaves, grows in clusters at the tips of the branches.

There's no way to go wrong growing these gorgeous succulents as long as they're kept at the proper temperature!  

When and How to Water Your Desert Rose Plant 

The Adenium obesum is a drought-tolerant succulent, but it still requires a thoughtful watering routine—especially during its growing and dormant seasons.

In the spring and summer, during the active growing period, water your plant thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. This usually means watering once every 7–10 days in warmer months, depending on your local humidity and temperature. Always ensure the soil drains well and the pot has proper drainage holes.

In the fall and winter, during the dormant season, the plant's water needs decrease drastically. In this resting phase, which is triggered by cooler temperatures and reduced daylight, water only once every 3 to 4 weeks or even less. Overwatering during dormancy can lead to root rot.

You'll know your Desert Rose needs water if the stems start to shrivel slightly or show discoloration—this is the plant drawing from its internal moisture reserves. Once watered, the stems will plump up again as they rehydrate. 

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Adenium obesum

When growing indoors as a houseplant, place your Adenium in the brightest spot available, ideally a south- or west-facing window. If natural light is limited, you can supplement with a full-spectrum grow light for 12–14 hours a day. Without enough light, indoor plants may grow leggy, fail to bloom, or become vulnerable to pests.

For outdoor growth, your plant thrives under bright, direct sunlight, but avoid immediately placing a young plant into direct sunlight if it has been greenhouse-grown. It should ideally receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering and growth. Gradually increase sun exposure over a week or two to prevent leaf burn.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The adenium desert rose is like a very airy, porous, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Succulents require fast-draining soil that dries completely between waterings. Soggy, wet soil can damage your succulent and contribute to bacterial and fungal rot. Ideally, you want to use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive.   

For the vibrant blooms, fertilize your Adenium obesum once a year in the spring with an equal ratio of 5-10-5 (NPK). So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your succulent some love with some awesome fertilizer! 

Hardiness Zones & More

When growing indoors as a houseplant, your desert rose thrives best at around 65°F to 75°F. A well-draining potting mix and drainage holes in the potting container will help you maintain temperatures and prevent too much moisture. Keep it away from cold drafts or windowsills that get too chilly. You can keep the plant outside during the warmer months, but once nighttime temperatures start to drop below 55°F.

If you plant Adenium obesum succulents outdoors, they grow best in USDA zones 11 and 12 in cooler zones.

If you live in a colder climate, you should put them in a pot, and they can then be kept outdoors during the summer and brought in as the temperature drops. 

Humidity isn't a major concern, as this plant thrives in low to moderate humidity levels. However, make sure air circulates well around the plant to reduce the risk of fungal problems—especially when grown indoors.

Wildlife – Desert Rose Flowers Attracts the Following Friendly Pollinators

The desert rose flowers attract a variety of friendly pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These beautiful creatures play a crucial role in the pollination process, helping to ensure the continued growth and reproduction of these stunning flowers.

Butterflies

Bees

Hummingbirds

Lady Bugs

Multi Pollinators

Other Birds

According to ASPCA, the Adenium obesum is mildly toxic to both humans and pets if ingested in large amounts. However, it is safe to handle or touch, which makes it a popular choice for indoor and outdoor decoration.

How to Propagate Your Adenium obesum

To propagate your Adenium obesum, you can take stem cuttings from a healthy, mature plant. Make sure the cutting is at least 4-6 inches long and allow it to dry for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil. Another method is to propagate through seeds, which can be collected from the plant's pods and planted in a seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the desert rose, or Adenium obesum, is a stunning and unique succulent plant that captures the essence of the desert with its striking appearance. With its thick, succulent stems and beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers, it adds a touch of exotic beauty to any garden or indoor space. We think you will love the Aeonium obesum desert rose plant. Order your very own desert rose today and start enjoying its beauty in no time!