The beautiful succulent known as desert rose (adenium obesum) is a member of the dogbane family. As the name suggests, it’s native to desert regions, specifically in Africa and its flowers vary from red to pink while its trunks are short and swollen-looking. They’re often grown as bonsai plants because of their short stature. In this article, we are going to discover how to propagate Desert Rose plants at home.
In hot regions (USDA zones 10 to 11), the growing conditions are ideal for growing desert rose outside as a decorative plant. In cooler regions, it’s potted and kept indoors during winter.
One thing you should not forget: The sap of desert rose is toxic to humans and pets.
The adenium plant, also known as desert rose, is a beautiful succulent that can be easily propagated at home. Propagating your own adenium plants is rewarding and allows you to multiply your plant collection for free. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to successfully propagate adenium plants using seeds and cuttings.
Overview of Propagation Methods
There are two main methods used to propagate adenium plants – seed germination and stem cuttings.
Seed germination is the most common and straightforward method. It involves collecting seeds from spent seed pods on the parent plant, planting them in soil, and caring for them as they sprout and grow. This technique reliably produces new baby adenium plants that are genetic clones of the parent.
Stem cuttings involve taking a cutting from an existing plant and rooting it in water or soil to produce a clone. This method is faster than seeds and ensures the new plant will be identical to the parent. Cuttings allow you to multiply special cultivars that may not produce viable seeds.
Propagating Adeniums from Seeds
Propagating from seeds is the easiest way to increase your stock of adenium plants Here’s a step-by-step guide
Collecting Seeds
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Watch for seed pods on your adenium plants. They will form after flowering and turn brown when ripe.
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Carefully cut the dry pods off the plants. Don’t pull off unripe green pods or you won’t get viable seeds.
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Open the seed pods and extract the seeds. Spread them on a paper towel to dry for 2-3 days.
Planting the Seeds
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Fill small pots with a well-draining soil mix. A cactus/succulent blend works well.
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Plant seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in the soil. Place 1-2 seeds per pot.
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Water the pots thoroughly until you see water draining from the bottom. Keep the soil moist but not soaked.
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Optional: Cover pots with plastic to create a greenhouse effect. Remove once sprouted.
Caring for Seedlings
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Germination takes 1-3 weeks. Provide warmth (70-80°F) and bright indirect light.
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Once sprouted, remove covers and transition to direct light. Keep soil moist but not wet.
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When plants reach 2 inches, thin to one plant per pot. Transplant into larger pots as needed.
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Begin fertilizing monthly at 6 months old. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
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Transplant into the garden or permanent pots when 8-12 inches tall.
Propagating Adeniums from Cuttings
Growing adeniums from cuttings produces mature, blooming plants more quickly than seeds. Follow these instructions:
Selecting and Preparing Cuttings
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Take 4-6 inch tip cuttings from healthy, established plants in spring or summer.
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Remove any flowers or buds from cuttings so the plant can focus on root growth.
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Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development.
Rooting the Cuttings
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Fill small pots with well-draining soil or a 1:1 peat:perlite mix.
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Make a hole and insert the cutting 2-3 inches deep in the soil. Press soil firmly around it.
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Water thoroughly until water drains from the hole. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not wet.
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Cover pots with plastic to create a greenhouse environment.
Caring for Rooted Cuttings
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Check for root development in 4-8 weeks. Gently tug cuttings to test for resistance.
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Once rooted, remove the plastic covers and move plants into brighter light.
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Transplant into larger containers once roots fill the pot. Use a cactus/succulent soil mix.
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Begin fertilizing monthly with a balanced dilute fertilizer to encourage growth.
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Gradually expose plants to direct outdoor light for a few hours daily before transplanting outside.
Tips for Healthy Propagated Plants
Follow these tips to keep your new propagations thriving:
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Acclimate plants slowly to increased light levels to avoid sun damage.
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Water deeply and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Proper drainage prevents rot.
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Transplant into incrementally larger pots as plants grow. Adeniums eventually need 2-3 gallon containers.
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Provide warm temperatures around 70-80°F for ideal growth.
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Protect new plants from harsh weather until they are well established. Shelter from frost.
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Avoid overwatering and standing water which can lead to root rot and death of these desert plants.
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Watch for common pests like mealybugs and scale. Remove them immediately to prevent spreading.
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Pinch back tips to encourage bushy, compact growth. Cease pruning 2 months before desired bloom time.
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Rotate plants periodically for even growth. Fertilize regularly during the growing season for blooms.
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Transplant outdoor plants into the ground once they reach 1-2 feet tall for best growth and flowering.
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
If your propagations are struggling, here are some potential issues and solutions:
Seeds failing to germinate: Old seeds, improper planting depth, overwatering, or insufficient warmth could prevent germination. Ensure fresh seeds planted at the proper depth, reduce watering, and provide heat.
Cuttings failing to root: Rooting hormone, warmer temperature, and increased humidity could help improve rooting. Keep soil consistently moist but not wet.
**Leggy, stretched growth:**Insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, and low temperatures cause leggy growth. Provide warmer conditions, lots of sunlight, and adequate space.
Leaf drop: Overwatering and associated root rot is the primary cause of leaf drop. Allow soil to fully dry between waterings and reduce watering frequency.
Slow growth: Low light, inadequate fertilizer, and smaller containers can restrict growth. Provide ample bright light, fertilize regularly in season, and repot into larger containers.
Failure to bloom: Insufficient light, overpruning, overwatering, and improper temperatures can inhibit flowering. Maximize sunlight exposure, cease pruning, reduce watering, and maintain warm temps.
Enjoy an Endless Supply of Adeniums
Learning how to propagate adeniums opens up endless possibilities. You can produce tons of plants for yourself, grow rare hybrids and colors, give adeniums as gifts, or even sell them for profit. Plus propagating ensures you’ll always have new plants if any outgrow their space or die. With proper care, both seedlings and cuttings will flourish, rewarding you with an ongoing supply of these captivating succulents.
Here is what you need
- Pot – 6 inches in diameter works great!
- Sandy, perlite-rich soil (cactus soil works here)
- Pruning shears (if taking cuttings)
- Heating mat (optional)
- Rooting hormone (optional if taking cuttings)
How to Grow Desert Rose From Seed
You can buy desert rose seeds from a reputable nursery. Seeds that are fresh propagate best.
- Fill a pot with sandy potting soil. Soils containing perlite meant for cacti work well.
- Plant desert rose seeds just beneath the surface and water them.
- Place the pot onto a heating mat.
- Continue to keep the soil moist. Seedlings should appear within about a week.
- Transplant your new desert rose into a pot at least 6 inches in diameter, or to a plot outside.
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Simple Way To Grow Adenium From Cuttings || Desert Rose From Cuttings || Adenium Propagation
FAQ
How do you propagate Adenium by cutting?
Can adenium grow from stems?
How do you start a desert rose from a cutting?
How to propagate Adenium?
There are two main ways to propagate Adenium: by seeds and by cuttings. Propagation by seeds is the most common method of propagating Adenium plants. Follow these steps to propagate Adenium plant by seeds: Collect ripe seed pods from the parent plant. The seed pods should be brown and dry before harvesting. Remove the seeds from the seed pod.
How do I start Adenium seeds?
Purchase your seeds from a reputable dealer or find an owner of a few adult plants (they need two plants to produce seeds) that can give your seeds straight from the plants themselves. Begin starting adenium seeds by preparing a container with a well-draining growing medium, like a perlite or sand and soil mix.
How do you grow Adenium from cuttings?
Fill a medium-sized planting pot with a mixture of two parts sand, two parts peat moss, and one part perlite. Place the cut end of the Adenium cutting about 2 inches (5 cm) deep in the soil medium. Water the cutting immediately. 3. Water the Adenium cuttings every three days. The cutting should take root in two to six weeks.
How do you grow Adenium?
1. Obtain an Adenium cutting from a nursery. The nursery typically takes a 5-inch (12.5 cm) cutting from the end of a living stem and dips the cut end in a rooting hormone. 2. Fill a medium-sized planting pot with a mixture of two parts sand, two parts peat moss, and one part perlite.