Why are my Adenium leaves pointing up? I've tried watering but they are still up, so I let it dry out and they are pointing up probably straighter. Watering doesn't seem to bring them back down very far. What's going on? It lives in NW Tucson at about 3000 ft.
It may not be getting water often enough. When it is hot during the growing season, it can take more water. Indoors, during the winter, it needs very little. Also are you fertilizing? If not, that may help. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/desert-rose/caring-for-desert-rose-plants.htm
I have had my desert rose for quite a while. Other winters it has gone dormant and lost leaves but last winter it stayed green all winter. I have been fighting mealybugs for years but every spring it comes to life when I put it out on my deck. This past winter it blossomed in January and has continued to do so all summer. Last month I noticed these unusual growths on top of two stems where there had been flowers. They do not look like new stems that have appeared when I’ve cut it back. What are they and what should I do about them? Thank you.
They are seed pods! If you want seeds, you should keep them. If you want the plant to continue growing and not spend energy into seeds, then you can remove them.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/desert-rose/desert-rose-seed-saving.htm
I tree trays of Desert Rose seedlings that I fear may have too much water. They were left out in a pouring rain and the soil is very wet. Should I repot them, or leave them to dry out in the sun? I'd hate to lose them. Any thought?
They will dry out quickly in the sun, so I suggest that route. Repotting might damage their root structures that are forming.
It is much larger now than in picture. If can find pot large enough for root caudex, should be repotted. Outdoor soil too wet, too low for proper drainage.
Typically, you won't want to feed with a slow release. It will feed during the winter months, which you do not want. Usually, you will feed with a half strength of 20-20-20 during the active growing season.
Your moist soil will be more of an issue than feeding will be, however. They don't really NEED to be fed, though. They can usually get enough feed from the soil. Speaking of... These will appreciate a cactus or succulent soil!
Here is an article that will offer more care tips:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/desert-rose/caring-for-desert-rose-plants.htm
After alot of rain they looked great and grew quick, now back in the heat and leaves have yellowed and spotted and some are curling up, what is the best thing to do, and when do desert roses need repotting.
It sounds like the rain finally took its toll!
What happened, likely, is that the rain started out by refreshing the plant, but when it became too much for too long, started to cause suffocation and rot.
At this time, you will need to repot into a cactus soil, instead of potting soil. Potting soil will be too thick and likely full of nutrients to support the plant. Treat with a fungicide, as well. Make sure that the plant dries, thoroughly, between each watering.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/desert-rose
I was told to only water my desert rose by spray bottle and not water the soil. Can you please advise how to water this plant.
They may have been talking about its dormant period when it needs less water or the native Australian desert rose.
In Australia, there are two native varieties. If you have one of those, they need less water than the sub-Saharan Africa varieties. So make sure which you have.
For the African variety, Adenium obesum, in the spring and summer, especially if it is outside, it needs the soil watered regularly. They like hot and dry surroundings, so misting is not needed. Well draining soil is a must, or root rot can become an issue.
These articles about the African varieties should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/desert-rose/caring-for-desert-rose-plants.htm
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/adenium-obesum/
This is about a native Australian desert rose, which needs little water:
https://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/discover/nature/plants/sturts-desert-rose/
https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2002/gossypium-sturtianum.html
Ladies and Gentlemen I have two adeniums that I am at a loss to deal with. They both did fine over the winter. They were warm and had grow lights. During the last week of February, both began to loose leaves rapidly. Adenium 1, produces a cluster of white flowers. In addition to loosing it's leaves, it began to produce a cluster of buds on two of the stalks. Two of the buds have already dropped off. Adenium 2 produces a red flower. It has no buds but is starting to sprout new leaves on every stalk. Including the short ones. I know I should have pruned and repotted both over the winter but they looked so healthy. My questions: Is it too late to prune and repot both? They are in the original store container from the purchase two years ago. Should I just prune and repot Adenium 2 and take my chances on Adenium 1's Spring bloom? What would you do? thank you for your help with this. I live in New Orleans LA and have no business growing Adenium Obesum. Take care! Bill
They look like they are being overwatered. They need very little water during the winter. You may need to repot them just to save them. They don't need a very deep pot, but it must be very well draining soil. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/desert-rose/caring-for-desert-rose-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/desert-rose/how-to-prune-a-desert-rose.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/desert-rose/repotting-desert-rose-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/desert-rose/desert-rose-not-blooming.htm