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What sets Adenium arabicum apart is its thick, bottle-shaped base and stout, muscular branches, which give it the appearance of a miniature bonsai tree. The caudex, often spreading wide and flattened, stores water to help the plant survive arid conditions. This feature makes it a favourite among collectors of caudiciform plants.
In late spring and summer, mature specimens produce clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink to deep rose-red. These blooms contrast beautifully with the smooth grey-green bark and glossy leaves, which are typically shorter, broader, and rounder than those of Adenium obesum. Even when not in bloom, its sculptural form and unusual proportions make it an eye-catching living ornament.
Thrives in full sun. Indoors, place in the brightest spot available, ideally a south-facing window. Without adequate light, growth will be weak, and flowering is unlikely. Outdoors in summer, it flourishes in direct sunlight.
During the active growing season (spring to autumn), water thoroughly when the soil has dried out completely. The caudex stores moisture, so it is highly drought-tolerant. In winter, reduce watering drastically or stop altogether when the plant becomes dormant and may drop some or all of its leaves. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure, leading to root and caudex rot.
Temperature: Requires warm conditions of 2030C in summer. It is not frost-hardy and should never be exposed to temperatures below 10C. Bring indoors in colder climates.
Humidity: Prefers low to moderate humidity, consistent with its desert origins.
Use a gritty, free-draining cactus and succulent compost. A shallow, wide container is best for showcasing the caudex. Repot every 23 years in spring, refreshing the soil each time.
Apply a balanced cactus fertiliser once a month during the growing season. A fertiliser with slightly higher phosphorus and potassium will encourage stronger flowering. Do not feed in winter dormancy.
Prune lightly in spring to shape the plant and encourage branching. This enhances both its bonsai-like silhouette and the number of potential flowering stems.
Growth: In the right conditions, it develops a large, fattened caudex and upright branches.
Dormancy: In cooler months, it naturally slows or stops growth and may lose leaves. Resume watering only when new growth appears in spring.
Rotting base: Almost always caused by overwatering.
No flowers: Typically due to insufficient light or feeding.
Pests: May attract mealybugs, scale, or spider mites; inspect regularly.
In its native Arabian Peninsula, Adenium arabicum grows in rocky, arid landscapes, storing water in its swollen trunk to survive drought. Its natural bonsai-like proportions make it particularly popular with collectors worldwide. It is often used as a living sculpture, combining exotic beauty with low-maintenance requirements.
Quick Care Summary
Light: Full sun, brightest window indoors
Water: When soil is completely dry; very little in winter
Temperature: 2030C; protect from cold below 10C
Humidity: Low to moderate
Soil: Gritty, well-draining succulent mix
Feed: Monthly in growing season
Growth: Fat caudex with bonsai-like form; pink to red summer flowers
