Question
Hi, I was out of my house for about 2 months. Now that I am back I have noticed that the stems of my adenium have become soft and are collapsing into themselves. this has happened to all branches in the top 2-3 inches. the plant has no leaves now. It is winter here and this year the winter was particularly severe. I had instructed my plant sitter not to water the plant unless the soil dried out. But even then this has happened. also, the plant hasnt had much sun, since the past 40 days as it has been foggy here.  right now the temperature is between 8-12 Celsius, with little sunshine. please advise on how I can help my plant?

Answer
Hi Aditi,

Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) is a succulent member of the Oleander family, which is poisonous to pets and children.)

In winter, Desert Rose has a dormant period during which it should be allowed to dry completely and kept in cool temps (55 to 60 degrees F.). It will shed most of its leaves during dormancy so don抰 be alarmed. In the spring, resume normal watering and fertilize sparingly. Flowers usually appear in April and again in September. In late fall, as the light decreases, leaves will start to drop. That is a signal that it is going into its dormant period.

I suspect that the plant sitter may not have allowed the soil to dry out deep into the pot, not just dry on the surface. Most people tend to panic a bit when leaves start to drop in the early winter and then think the plant needs more water. If yours was not allowed to dry thoroughly there is a good chance the roots have rotted.

In addition, Desert Rose must be in direct sun all year round if you want it to flower. That pretty much limits it to an unobstructed south-facing window. The lack of good light may be contributing to your plant's problems.

The temperatures you referred to are a bit too cold for Desert Rose, so keep it warmer if you can.

At this point, the damage may already be irreparable. All you can do is provide lots of direct sunlight, proper temperatures and allow the soil to dry out at least halfway down into the pot. Do not repot or fertilize. Be patient and give your plant the time it needs to recover slowly.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC


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