Overview
Desert Rose Bonsai (Adenium obesum) is a succulent bonsai with swollen caudex, glossy leaves and bright trumpet flowers. It is best suited to caudex bonsai, flowering indoor displays and dry-climate styles. For UK growers, treat it as: Indoor in the UK, summer outdoors only warm.
Placement
full sun and warmth are essential
Watering
water well in active growth but allow the mix to dry; keep much drier in winter dormancy
Feeding and fertilising
feed lightly in warm active growth
Pruning and wiring
prune warm-season shoots to create branching; sap is irritating so handle carefully
Repotting
repot every 2-3 years into a very gritty mix, lifting the caudex gradually if desired
Propagation
seed gives best caudex; cuttings can root but may not swell as attractively
Pests, diseases and common issues
rot from cold wet soil, mealybug and leaf drop in winter