# Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

> Native to the arid regions of the Sahel and East Africa, Adenium obesum is a pachycaul deciduous succulent shrub renowned for its sculptured basal caudex. Prized in bonsai cultivation, it produces striking tubular flowers ranging from deep crimson to soft pink alongside thick, spirally arranged leaves. All vegetative parts secrete a highly toxic milky latex rich in cardiac glycosides.

- **Scientific Name:** *Adenium obesum*
- **Botanical Family:** Apocynaceae
- **Care Difficulty:** Moderate (2/5)
- **Cold Hardiness:** 10°C / 50°F (USDA Zone 11; temperatures dropping below 4°C cause rapid tissue damage and root mortality)
- **Pet Safety / Toxicity:** Toxic to Pets (May cause irritation or toxicity if ingested by cats/dogs)
- **Canonical URL:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/adenium-obesum
- **Markdown Source:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/adenium-obesum.md
- **Botanical Photo:** https://sukulentler.com/assets/images/articles/species_adenium_obesum.webp?v=1793966882

## Light & Sun Exposure

Requires full sun to thrive; at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily is essential for vigorous caudex growth and abundant blooming.

## Watering Schedule & Method

Follow the 'soak and dry' method during the active spring/summer growing season; suspend watering almost entirely during winter dormancy when foliage drops to prevent root rot.

## Soil & Gritty Mix Formula

60% coarse mineral grit (pumice, crushed lava, coarse perlite) + 40% organic cactus peat and coco coir

## Cold Tolerance & Overwintering

10°C / 50°F (USDA Zone 11; temperatures dropping below 4°C cause rapid tissue damage and root mortality)

## Propagation Methods

Seed propagation (essential to produce the characteristic swollen caudex), semi-hardwood stem cuttings, and cleft or flat grafting.

## Available Language Editions

- [TR: Çöl Gülü (Adenium obesum)](https://sukulentler.com/tr/turler/adenium-obesum.md)
- [DE: Wüstenrose (Adenium obesum)](https://sukulentler.com/de/arten/adenium-obesum.md)
- [ES: Rosa del Desierto (Adenium obesum)](https://sukulentler.com/es/especies/adenium-obesum.md)