Question
Hello!

I've had my Adenium Obesum for about 4 yrs. now and have only transplanted it once (about a year ago).  I follow the recommended watering cycles (more frequent in the summer and less if any in the winter).  I watered it last week and this week when I went to check on it all of the new growth branches are drooping and most of the leaves have dropped.  It has not been exposed to temperatures below 65 degrees F.  The "trunk" is a little soft, if that matters at all.  I have moved it to my office which stays at a constant temperature of the mid-70s and has great morning/early afternoon sun from a south facing window.  Please help.

Thank you
Ariana

Answer
Hi Ariana,

It is not uncommon for the leaves to fall from a Desert Rose at this time of year. However, the stems should not go limp and that is a serious concern.

This plant is a succulent and it can withstand drought very well without wilting. Other than cold temperatures, the only thing that can account for the stem droop is root rot.

As a succulent, Adenium soil should dry out almost completely between waterings, even during its summer growth season. To encourage that drying out process, it is important to keep Adeniums in small pots with a porous potting mix. Repotting is rarely a good idea.

If it is not allowed to get quite dry each week, then the roots will slowly start to rot, out of sight and undetected. The process is a slow one and the plant can survive on its own resources for a time after all of the roots have died. But once the roots have died, there is no way for the plant to recover. The stems and trunk then begin to soften and collapse.

I wish I could offer a more positive diagnosis, but I cannot think of any other explanation for the symptoms you have described.

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