How to Grow and Care for Desert Rose

A sun-loving succulent, desert rose (Adenium obesum) is known for its striking blooms in white, pink, red, and purple hues. These plants also have thick trunks and slender leaves that give them a striking appearance. Many people use them as a bonsai option because they are slow-growing. Desert rose hails from sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian peninsula. In their native habitat, these plants grow in arid, hot climates. Desert rose is commonly grown as a houseplant in the U.S.

Note: All parts of desert rose plants are toxic if eaten and should be kept out of reach of small children and pets.

Where to Plant Desert Rose

Desert rose plants love lots of sun, which mimics their native habitat. When growing a desert rose as a houseplant, choose a sunny spot that receives direct sunlight during the day. If you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 11 or 12, you can grow desert roses outdoors in a sunny area of your garden

How and When to Plant Desert Rose

Plant desert rose nursery plants in the spring. Choose a potting soil formulated for succulents. The container must offer excellent drainage.

Desert Rose Care Tips

Desert rose plants are easy to care for if they have the right sunlight, soil, and water. 

Light

Desert rose, as its name implies, loves the sun. Grow it in a sunny area of your home, such as a south-facing window, where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight daily.

Soil and Water

Grow desert rose in a potting mix designed for succulents and cacti. They do best in soil that is neutral to acidic and has a pH around 6.0.

These plants need different amounts of water depending on the season. In late spring to summer, keep the soil moist but never wet. Overwatering a desert rose can lead to root rot so allow the soil to dry out before giving the plant another drink. 

Desert rose plants usually go dormant in the fall and winter in their native habitat. When grown indoors, they do best when watered infrequently, about once per month during their dormant period. You can tell if this plant is receiving sufficient water during the growing season by checking its trunk, which should feel firm.  

Temperature and Humidity

Desert rose is accustomed to arid conditions and low humidity. This succulent does best when temperatures are around 65°F to 90°F. They don’t fare well when kept in cooler temperatures around 50°F for extended periods—they will die. If growing them outdoors in warm weather, bring them indoors before the temperatures drop in late fall and winter to protect this plant.

Fertilizer

During the succulent’s growing period—late spring through summer—give the plants a boost with a general houseplant fertilizer. Use a 5-5-5 liquid fertilizer and dilute it to half the recommended strength. The plant’s growth slows down in fall and winter, and fertilizer is not recommended then.

Pruning

Pruning isn’t typically needed for this plant because desert rose grows slowly, less than 12 inches annually. Many gardeners treat it as a bonsai plant, in which case it can be strategically trimmed into the desired shape using clean scissors.

Potting and Repotting Desert Rose

Repot desert rose when it becomes root-bound or when the roots start escaping from the bottom of the container. Transplanting it into a new, larger container encourages it to grow bigger. Some people prefer to keep them root-bound so they stay smaller.  

Transplant desert rose in winter or early spring as it prepares for its growth period. Repotting a desert rose is easy—choose a bigger container with drainage holes and ensure the soil is dry before removing it from its current home. Put the plant in a new pot and then add fresh potting mix.

Pests and Problems

Desert rose is typically an easy houseplant to care for, with little concern for disease or pest problems. However, overwatering, spider mites, and powdery mildew are the most common issues you may encounter with this plant. 

Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves. They do so discreetly on the underside of the leaves, so you’re less likely to detect them until the leaves begin to look speckled or discolored. As a preventive measure, check the leaves occasionally for spider mites, which look like tiny dots and sometimes there's a little webbing. If there is an infestation, wipe down both sides of the leaves with water for several days. You can also wipe the leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Overwatering: Overwatering is the biggest issue for this plant, as it likes moist but not overly wet soil. Overwatering causes root rot, and the signs are yellow leaves or dropping leaves. Sometimes, you can save the plant from root rot by transplanting it to another container with new well-draining potting soil. However, yellowing or dropping leaves can also be an indicator that the plant is entering its dormancy phase, which is in the late fall and winter. 

Stems that turn mushy or black are another sign that your desert rose has too much water. Depending on when you notice these symptoms, you may or may not be able to salvage the plant; replant the desert rose as soon as possible. First, cut back any black or mushy stems. Check the roots for any rotting and use sharp shears to snip any afflicted areas before placing the plant in a new container and adding fresh potting mix. 

Powdery mildew: This common fungal disease affects indoor and outdoor plants. It looks like white powder on the leaves and stems. It easily spreads in damp conditions or when there is a lack of air circulation. The first step is to remove any leaves afflicted with powdery mildew. If a desert rose is living in close quarters with other houseplants, give each of them space to increase air circulation and reduce the spread of the fungal disease.

How to Propagate Desert Rose

Desert rose can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. This is best done in the spring or early summer.

Growing from Cuttings

When you’re ready to take a stem cutting, put on gloves to avoid touching the plant’s irritating sap.

1. Using sharp, clean shears, snip a 5-6 inch cutting at the tip of the branch. 
2. Let the cutting dry for a couple of days.
3. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone.
4. Plant the cutting in well-draining potting soil mixed with perlite or sand.
5. Water the cutting each day. Within two to six weeks, the cutting should form roots.

Propagate from Seed

Start with quality seeds from a reputable retailer. Then:

1. Soak the seeds in warm water for 2 to 4 hours or overnight. 
2. Fill a seed tray with potting mix, and place the seeds on the surface of the potting mix, spacing them 1-2 inches apart.
3. Lightly cover the seeds with soil.
4. Thoroughly water the seeds, making sure the soil is moist. Water once a week when the soil begins to dry out. 
5. After the seeds germinate—typically within a week or two—place the seed tray in an area that receives full sunlight.

Types of Desert Rose

You’ll find plenty of varieties of this succulent at your local nursery or for purchase online.

‘Pink Picotee’

Adenium obesum ‘Pink Picotee’ is a desert rose with vibrant blooms that make a statement. The flowers are white with hot pink edges. This no-fuss plant is a super-slow grower and a natural for using as a bonsai.

‘Double Noble’

Looking for a standout flower? ‘Double Noble’, an Adenium hybrid, has blooms that resemble roses and have double or triple the petals of a typical desert rose. The petals have a striking red edge and white interiors.

‘Ballerina’

Adenium obesum ‘Ballerina’ blooms have a soft pink edge on creamy white flowers. This grafted desert rose is remarkably rose-like and stunningly beautiful. ‘Ballerina’ may be challenging to find, but it is worth the effort.