Question
I have a rather large dessert rose in an 8" pot. It was given to me as a gift and I didn't realize how little water it needs until it was too late. It is rotting quite a bit but I believe it can still be saved. I have switched it from regular soil to cactus soil with shards of broken clay at the base for extra drainage, but it keeps on rotting it seems. What can I do to save this plant?

Answer
Hi Allin,

Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) is a succulent member of the Oleander family. (Note: Oleander family member plants are poisonous to pets and children.) In fact, many desert roses are actually grafted onto an oleander before they are sold. The grafted version will grow faster and produce more flowers. The non-grafted form has a bulbous, water-storing stem at the base (called a caudex). The grafted desert rose has a long, thin stem with a grafting lump higher up on the stem.

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.

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). 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.

Grafted desert roses can withstand warmer temps in winter and should be fertilized a bit more frequently.

You didn't indicate what symptoms you are observing that tells you that it is rotting, so I cannot assess how bad it is. However, given how easy it is to overwater this plant in winter, root rot is a likely possibility.

Root rot is difficult to reverse. If all or most of the roots have rotted, then the plant is unlikely to survive even if you get the watering under control. If there are many healthy roots remaining, then proper watering will help rejuvenate it, but it will take time and patience.

Desert rose does best in a small terra cotta pot filled with Cactus soil. All of these will contribute to the soil drying out faster and that is important with this succulent. Adding shards or other "drainage material" to the bottom of the pot is an out-dated practice that actually deters drying out.

I know this is a lot of information to absorb and I don't have a specific answer to saving your plant because it may not be salvageable. If you email me a photo, I might be able to help more.

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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