Why Choose Adenium (Desert Rose) for Your Home?

• Aesthetic Appeal: Stunning flowers in pink, red, and white with a unique, swollen stem for an exotic touch.
• Low Maintenance: Thrives in dry conditions, requires minimal watering, and is perfect for beginners and busy people.
• Adaptability: Grows well in containers, ideal for small spaces, and thrives in both sunny and shaded areas.
• Air-Purifying: Improves air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
• Symbol of Resilience: Represents strength and beauty, thriving in harsh conditions.
• Gift-Worthy: A beautiful and thoughtful gift for gardening enthusiasts.

How to Grow Adenium (Desert Rose)

Step-by-Step Process (Recommended for Home Gardeners):

• Location: Plant in a sunny spot with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors, place near a south-facing window. Ideal temperature: 25°C to 35°C.
• Soil: Use well-draining soil, like cactus or succulent mix. Or, mix 1 part sand, 1 part soil, and 1 part perlite. Add crushed eggshells for calcium.
• Watering: Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Water once a week in the growing season, less in the rainy season. Add banana peels to improve root growth. A simple home trick is to use a watermatic stake in the pot for easy, automated watering.
• Potting: Use a pot with drainage holes, slightly larger than the root ball. Place the plant on a small mound of soil.
• Propagation: Take a 6-8 inch cutting, dry it for 24-48 hours, and plant it in soil. Optionally, dip in cinnamon powder to prevent fungal infections.
• Home Tips: Mix crushed onion peels into soil for sulfur, which helps protect against fungal infections and boosts root health.

Common Problems, Pests, & Diseases

Urban Farmer’s Solutions for a Healthy plant:

1. Leaf Drop: Overwatering or sudden changes in temperature. Ensure proper drainage and avoid excessive watering.
2. Aphids and Whiteflies: These pests feed on the sap of Adenium (Desert Rose) causing leaf yellowing. Spray neem oil 2 ml/20 drops or Mix 1 protec tab in 1 liter of water once a week for effective control.
3. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot can form in humid conditions, showing up as a white-Brown spots on leaves. Improve air circulation by spacing the plants or pruning regularly. Spray fungicides like Tricho Shield 5 gm/half spoon or Mix 1 protec tab in 1 liter of water per liter of water and remove infected leaves promptly to prevent spread.
4. Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure proper soil drainage and use a perlite or sand mix for potted plants to promote airflow in the soil. To prevent or cure, mix 5 gm/half spoon of organic fungicide Tricho Shield per liter of water and drench 50 ml of the solution near the plant's stem.
5. Yellowing Leaves: This can be a sign of overwatering or a sudden change in the plant's environment (e.g., moving it to a darker area). Check the soil for proper drainage and ensure the plant is not exposed to drafts or temperature fluctuations.

Best Practices for Growing Adenium (Desert Rose)

Urban Farmer’s Expert Tips for Adenium (Desert Rose):

1. Soil Drainage: Adenium needs well-draining soil. Ensure pots have drainage holes and loosen soil if water pools on top for better airflow.
2. Pruning: Regularly prune to encourage branching and a compact shape. Remove dead leaves and trim long stems for better airflow. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent disease transmission.
3. Feeding: Use a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Switch to high-potassium fertilizer during flowering for more blooms. Homemade fertilizers like fish emulsion can boost growth.
4. Sunlight & Temperature: Adenium thrives in heat but should be shielded from frost. In colder climates, bring it indoors or use a greenhouse. Avoid harsh midday sun during summer to protect leaves.

Recommended Products for Adenium (Desert Rose) Care

Urban Farmer’s Trusted Products for Adenium (Desert Rose) Care:

1. Fertilizers:
   • Balanced Fertilizer: Use a granular, slow-release fertilizer for Adenium (Desert Rose). Apply Flora TAB (1 tab per liter of water) or NPK 12:61:00 - 10 gm per liter water and spray on foliage every 15 days to boost flowering.
   • Bloom Stick Fertilizer: Insert one Bloom stick fully into the soil, 2-3 inches away from the plant stem. Repeat it after 60 days. A single application of one stick provides your plants with a steady supply of nutrients for up to 2 months.
2. Pesticides:
   • Neem Oil: Mix 2 ml of neem oil/20 drops in 1 liter of water and spray it every 10 days to prevent and control sucking pests and other pests. Neem oil is a safe and organic solution that doesn't harm beneficial insects.
   • Tricho Shield: Mix 5 gm of Tricho Shield/half spoon (Trichoderma viride) in 1 liter of water and spray it every 20 days to prevent and control fungal diseases like leaf spot and powdery mildew. Tricho Shield is an organic fungicide that promotes plant health without harming the environment.
   • Protec Tab: Mix 1 protec tab in 1 liter of water and spray it every 20 days to prevent and control fungal diseases and pest.
3. Growth Promoters:
   • Seaweed Extract: Spray Seaweed extract 2 ml/20 drops per liter of water monthly to promote healthier growth and more vibrant flowers. This organic growth promoter is beneficial for both foliar spray and soil drenching.

By following these detailed guidelines and incorporating the trusted products recommended by Urban Farmer, you can cultivate healthy and vibrant Adenium (Desert Rose) plants in your home or terrace garden.