The desert rose, known as 'Adenium obesum', is best loved for its long-lasting, vibrant blooms that appear twice a year, once in early spring and again in late summer or early fall, with each blooming period lasting up to two months. Despite not being a true rose, this striking succulent steals the spotlight with its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers and sculptural, bonsai-like form.

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 once every 7–10 days in warmer months. In general, water your plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch. 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 to 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 Adenium indoors as a houseplant, place it near a south- or west-facing window that receives 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight. 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.

Outdoors (only year-round in Hawaii), your plant thrives best with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Avoid placing a young plant in full sun right away—gradually increase its exposure over one to two weeks to prevent sunburn. Partial shade during the hottest part of the day can also help protect it in extremely hot climates.

Gradually increase sun exposure over a week or two to prevent leaf burn.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The adenium desert rose 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 succulents 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. 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.

In the United States, this is mostly an indoor plant, but if you live in southern Florida or Hawaii, then you can cultivate it outdoors in USDA zones 11-12.

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 Attract 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 (Adenium obesum) is prized for its long-lasting blooms that capture 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!