Desert Rose _ Adenium obesum

Just bought this plant and know nothing about it. Does it have a chance...all the leaves fell off.

Odds overwhelmingly favor the cause of leaf abscission (loss) as being either over-watering or a change to a considerably lower light level from where it was previously sited. If you're interested, I'll explain the exact mechanism by which reduced photo-intensity induces leaf abscission. The 'cure' for the reduced photo-intensity issue is more light.

If it's a symptom of over-watering, your plant has a chance IF the root rot hasn't set in or isn't so severe the plant cannot recover w/o your intervention, AND you get your watering habits under control to prevent a second occurrence. A plant's energy reserves are not unlimited. It will take a LOT of energy reserves to push a new flush of growth and would leave the plant weakened and even more vulnerable to root rot, other pathogens, and insect predation. IOW, it may recover from 1 defoliation, but it probably won't recover from a second defoliation close on the heels of the first.

It is so very common to see problems like this arising from soil choices that are wholly inappropriate for the plant, so if you're serious about wanting to grow this plant well, you may want to take a closer look at what the plant is growing in, because that's most likely to be the pivotal issue between success:frustration.

Al

This message was edited Oct 27, 2011 10:26 AM

Thanks for all the information Al. The plant was given to me in a soil...that I am beginning to see is not appropriate.

My desert roses loose their leaves when winter sets in. Your plant should be okay, just don't overwater it and give it as much light as possible. talpa's right about the soil. You want a very well draining soil. Come spring it will start putting out leaves and flowers. It is a beautiful plant in the summer.

What I grow all my succulents & houseplants in ..... it makes growing very easy & offers the grower much greater latitude and a much wider margin for error:

Al

Al, What does that planting medium consist of ? Doesn't look like a whole lot of dirt.
Acts

It's a mix of equal parts by volume of pine or fir bark, Turface (a clay granule baked at temperatures high enough to turn it almost ceramic-like, and crushed granite (chicken grit). I've been using it for more tan 20 years, and I think that most of the regulars have seen some of the pictures I've posted of vibrant plants with perfect foliage as validation that well-aerated soils are simply easier to work with and provide the grower with a MUCH wider margin for error.

Al

I've seen some of the beautiful plants that you have posted. Where do you find the mediums or do you buy them commercially. Can I get chicken grit from the farm feed store? Does the fir bark come from the places that sell mulch? An the Turface, where do I find that at. We have a rock and gravel place close. Do I find it there? Sorry for all the questions but after reading the info you have on container plants I want to try this.

Acts

I'd be happy to help, but I don't want to hi-jack Ladi_Burd's thread. Maybe you could take/bring the discussion here: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1226030/ or to the thread about soils on the container gardening forum? I think this forum would be better though, because understanding how important soil and air in the soil is to maintaining healthy plants is really a pivotal issue - for beginners especially.

Al

I wouldn't consider it Hi-jacking my thread lol
Thank you everyone for all the great info!

My adeniums tend to go dormant in winter, also. I water them sparingly every 3-4 weeks when their leaves are off, then increase the water a little when I see new little green leaf tips.

I just noticed little green spots...so all hope isn't lost.
lol
Thanks everyone for all the info
Greatly Appreciated!