Question
Hi Darlene,

I live in tropical country, Indonesia, and planted Adenium Obesum seeds two weeks ago. After a week, little heads popped up through the soil.

How and when should we prune to achieve full of blooms ? Which part exactly and how many inches ?
How to shape (or prune) the caudex as large and as beautiful as possible ?

Rgds,

Ari

Answer
Ari,

As long as the seedlings are growing in full sun no pruning should be needed. The plants should grow compactly. The caudex will shape itself below ground level, there is not much you can do to  help it other than fertilize it with a fertilizer with a higher 2nd # such as Miracle Grow which is 18-24-16  The middle number phosphorous is important for rooting and also for blooming. It will help grow that large caudex you are looking for.  When the plants are a year old you need to carefully remove them from the soil and then replant them keeping the caudex that has formed at least half out of the soil. In the tropical area you are in you may be able to do that at 6 months rather than wait a year. Repeat that each year or 6 months until the caudex is large enough to sell the plants which is what I assume you want to do. I have an Adenium Obesum that blooms best in full sun. Because I am not in a tropical area and have to bring mine indoors I do prune it when the arms get too long and it takes a year after pruning for that arm to recuperate and produce flowers. If you do not prune your plants will be better off, just keep them in full sun. Good luck.

Darlene