Dr.

Anant Raman

ADORABLE ADENIUMS

Dr. Anant Raman

with technical support from

Mr. Jalandar Reddy

ii
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

CC BY SA Copyright © 2015 Dr. Anant Raman

Text and photos are my own work except where attributed to specific individuals or organizations who have shared the pictures on
Creative Commons free documentation licensed to share. Some pictures have been generously shared on free CC BY SA open license
by Mr. Jalandar Reddy of Adeniums India.

The author hereby allows free usage of all information and pictures of his own in this book by same open source CC BY SA license for
the purpose of information exchange among Adenium enthusiasts, plant lovers and general public, towards a better understanding of
this magnificent plant .

ISBN:
ISBN-13:

iii
DEDICATION

To God, who created this masterpiece called Adenium

To all Adenium lovers all over the world

To the Adenium experts who have developed new methods and cultivars
through untiring efforts and painstaking research into the world of Adeniums

To the Adenium growers and nurseries who have popularized this amazing plant
which is increasingly getting a pride of place in home gardens and public spaces,
thanks to their work.
Adorable Adeniums

Welcome to the world of Adeniums, also known as Desert Rose.

In the world of laughing flowers Adeniums occupy a special place and Adenium lovers seem to
consider it as a princess among flowering plants.
New forms, patterns and colors are introduced almost every day by hybrid growers and
enthusiast in different parts of the world.

The objective of this compilation is to give a glimpse into the beauty and versatility of Adeniums
and let people experience it in all its glory, on their own.
Once you experience the beauty of this plant you are most likely to join the millions of people
who share a love and passion that extends across the continents spread over a hundred countries
that enjoy good sunlight and warm climate.

The day that Adeniums are spotted in almost every other household is not far off , thanks to the
enthusiastic propagation of this plant by talented growers in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan,
Malaysia, Africa, South America and United States who account for more than 90% of the new
varieties introduced to plant lovers every year.
 CONTENTS

Acknowledgments i

Introduction 1

Chapter 1: Adenium Obesum 6

Chapter 2: Adenium varieties 19

Chapter 3: Hybrids and cultivars 25

Chapter4 : Pests and diseases 37

Chapter5 : Plant care 45

Chapter6: Grafting 55

Chapter7: Sharing 70

Chapter8: Gallery 71

References 90
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

vii
Dr. Anant Raman

viii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support from
Mr. Jalandar Reddy of Adeniums India who provided a rich source of insight into the
cultivation and propagation of magnificent Adeniums.

Ms. Arumbu Subramanian gave valuable suggestions to present the contents in a user
friendly format and make it appealing to common people as well as Adenium lovers.

i
INTRODUCTION

Adeniums also called Desert Rose are truly remarkable plants that keep flowering for
most part of the year and need very little maintenance.
All they need are just a lot of sunlight and a little watering, about once in 3 days.
By virtue of their form with a fat caudex at the base and bonsai like structure that
supports profusion of blooms they become instant favorites in any garden.
They are traditionally grown in pots but they can do very well if planted on the soil,
if it is porous enough and will not result in stagnation of water.
With so many growers offering the plant at competitive prices it is now easily
affordable to a home gardener to acquire a few plants and keep adding more after a
while.
1
Dr. Anant Raman

2
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

3
Dr. Anant Raman

4
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

5
1 ADENIUM OBESUM
Among Adenium varieties, the Obesum is the most common and popular,
as it lends itself well to grafting, thanks to its strong and attractive caudex, easy
rooting from
seedlings and
reasonably fast
growth.
One can
enjoy the beauty
of these plants
by raising them
from seeds.
The seeds
sown in
seedling trays
Seeds being sown in seedling trays. Maximum germination if seeds are fresh.
will germinate

6
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

in 8 to 10 days and
will become lovely
chubby babies
within two months.
They need daily
watering at this
stage as the plant
tries to form the
caudex right from
the first week.
In about two
months they can be
transplanted to
individual pots of Baby Adenium Obesums, raised in seed trays filled with a mix of vermi-
about 4 inch or 6 compost and sand. These are about 2 months old, watered every day.
inch dia size, filled

7
 Dr. Anant Raman

with a mix of river sand and vermi-

compost in equal proportion.
Other media like perlite and coco
peat can also be used based on
availability in different locations.

Mature Obesum plants can

produce hundreds of blooms to the
delight of the plant lover.

They start flowering when they

are one year old, but they need to
grow for another two or three years
to see their full form.
Adenium Obesum – 2 years old

8
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

Adenium Obesum -3 years old Adenium Obesum -5 years old

9
 Dr. Anant Raman

Adenium seed pods take about 3 months to mature Matured seeds spilling out of seed pod

10
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

Adenium seed pods protected with insect net

11
 Dr. Anant Raman

Baby seedlings, just 2 months old, ready for transplantation to pots

12
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

One year old Obesum in bloom FiveThree

yearsyears old Adenium
old Obesum Obesum
in mature shape

13
Dr. Anant Raman

14
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

15
Dr. Anant Raman

16
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

17
Dr. Anant Raman

18
2 VARIETIES OF ADENIUM

Adenium Arabicum:

Originally from Western

Africa, they are characterized
by massive caudex, multiple
branches, long leaves with
rounded tips, heavy foliage
and fairy big seed pods that
look like horns of cattle.
Adenium Arabicum : about 8 years old hybrids.
Picture credit: Adeniums India ( CC BY SA sharing)

19
 Dr. Anant Raman

Adenium Socotranum

Endemic to the Islands of

Socotra, east of Somalia.

Socotranums are slow

growers but can grow very
huge in the course of ten to
fifteen years with caudex
similar to baobab tree and
magnificent display of
branches above the hefty
base. Adenium Socotranum ( Bottle tree), Socotra
Island. Picture credit: Rod Waddington: CC BY :
Wikimedia-[creative commons license to share]

20
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

Adenium
Somalense:

Can range from a

small tree to a
fifteen feet tall giant
with a very wide and
conical caudex.
Long leaves bright
green in color.
Small flowers with
narrow pointed
petals.
Adenium Somalense Somalense Var Nova

21
 Dr. Anant Raman

Adenium Swazicum:

Shrubby shaped plant

spreading horizontally.
Small caudex.

Long narrow leaves

wide at the tip.

Broad petalled flowers

often with darker
centers.
Adenium Swazicum, Pretoria. Picture Credit: JMK (own work) :
Creative Commons license to share : CC BY SA: Wikimedia.

22
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

Adenium Multiflorum:

These are native to East

Africa, particularly to
Mozambique, Zimbabwe
and neighboring countries.

They have star shaped

flowers and the plants can
grow as tall as 11 feet in
height and the caudex can
grow up to a meter in
Adenium Multiflorum: Picture Credit: Kaycee Klinedinst
diameter.
Creative Commons sharing license: CC BY : Wikimedia

23
 Dr. Anant Raman

Adenium Crispum:

Native to Somalia, these

are slow growers and it
takes about 5 years for the
plant to reach 8 inches
high and will start
flowering after 2 years.
Small form, turnip shaped
caudex.
Narrow and long leaves
with wavy edges.
Flowers are characterized
Adenium Crispum : Picture Credit:
by curved petals. [Link] : Creative Commons Sharing:
CC BY license : Wikimedia.

24
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

3 HYBRIDS AND CULTIVARS

By cross pollination of Obesum with

Swazicum and Arabicum some amazing
varieties have been produced by breeders
across the globe.
Similarly Crispums cross pollinated with
Somalance, Swazicum and Obesum have
produced exotic hybrids which are
collectors delights and breeders pride.
In the course of the past fifty years
Adeniums have seen tremendous
popularity thanks to their capacity to
yield to cross pollination and
experimentation.

25
 Dr. Anant Raman

VARIEGATED TYPE

There are numerous

variegated types with
pleasing leaf patterns
and colors.

Nature plays on
Adenium leaves to
form such wonderful
designs.
Pictures credit: Adeniums
India : CC-BY-SA sharing

26
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

DORSET HORN

This type has a chubby caudex and

curly leaves.

With close cluster of leaves on short

stems that get completely concealed
by the broad and shiny leaves, it is a
lovely plant to have in any collection.

Photo credit: Adeniums India :

CC-BY-SA license to share

27
 Dr. Anant Raman

THAI SOCOTRANUM

Thai Socotranum is a lovely cross breed,

with showy bottle like caudex and beautiful
clusters of leaves that compete with each
other on short stubby branches producing
a distinct and pleasing form.

Thai Socotranum : Hybrid :

Picture Credit: Adeniums India

CC BY SA license to share

28
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

ROOT TRAINING
Another interesting
trend catching up is
the art of root
training and branch
wiring.
Thai Socotranums
seem to be the
favorites for this type.
The root stock of
the plant is cut to get a
flat base, applied with
a fungicide coat and
allowed to heal fully
for a few days. The
new roots are trained
to form a spreading Pictures : Credit: Adeniums India: ( CC BY SA license to share)
design.
29
 Dr. Anant Raman

Note:

With all the cross

breeds and hybrids
happening every
day, it is not easy to
identify an Adenium
breed and it is better
to accept them as
unclassified beauties
when we are in
doubt, free to enjoy
their magnificence
all the same.

30
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

31
Magnificent caudexes shaped by 10 to 15 years of care in a sub-tropical farm in Chennai, Southern India

32
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

Majestic Adenium Obesum with a massive caudex

33
Dr. Anant Raman

34
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

35
Dr. Anant Raman

36
4 PESTS AND DISEASES

Adeniums are generally resistant to most pests and diseases but in rare cases
they may be subject to attacks by pest like aphids, mealy bugs, spider mite,
weevils or white flies. These seem to have developed resistance to the toxic
sap of Adeniums and must be killed as soon as they become visible, by
removing the affected leaves and destroying them.

Milk weed bugs (Spilostethus Pandurus or Caenocoris nerii) are orange

colored beetles and they destroy the seed pods by feeding on them. They
need to be watched for, removed and destroyed.
When you see them feasting on the seed pods, spray them with a dilute
solution of vinegar or any other pesticide available in your area.

37
 Dr. Anant Raman

With repeated spraying over a period

of a week or two, they can be
eliminated from the plants.

In some rare instances virus infection

can occur on leaves resulting in
deformities and variegation apart
from stunted growth.
The infected leaves need to be
removed and destroyed, to prevent
spread of this virus.
Some experts advice removing the
plant and burning it off to prevent spread of this virus to other plants in a
collection. I have not done it so far as I like the variations in color and
design that comes from these virus affected plants and also they seem to
have the ability to heal themselves in time.

38
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

CATERPILLARS

It is also common to
see caterpillars or hawk
moth worms at the
start of spring season
when the moths lay
their eggs on the leaves.
They seem to enjoy the
taste of tender leaves of
Adeniums and it is easy
to miss them as the
flower buds and fresh
leaves fall prey to their
ferocious appetite. Caterpillar or Hawk moth worm

39
 Dr. Anant Raman

Look for their droppings which are

like tiny black balls that appear
around the plant base easily visible in
clear contrast to the sandy soil.
Remove the caterpillars with a stick
or rod and move them to some weed
plants far away, so they can complete
their cycle of turning into butterflies.

It may be unfair to the bugs and

caterpillars to treat them with such
disrespect and rude shock, but in the
larger interest of protecting the
Adeniums there is no other effective
alternative.

40
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

41
Dr. Anant Raman

42
43
Dr. Anant Raman

44
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

5 PLANT CARE

PRUNING:

Adeniums can grow wild without pruning

and for those who like to let them grow as
nature intended them to grow, they will be
rewarded with unexpected forms and
abundant flowering.
But to some it may be more appealing to
prune them to shape so the plant may look
more balanced and attractive. Pruning makes
the branches and stems more strong and
prevents sagging of the new stems with
flowering.

45
 Dr. Anant Raman

Care should be taken to ensure

that the pruning tools are
sterilized before pruning to
prevent bacterial and fungal
attack.
Please remember always that
the plants are living organisms
and should be treated with
loving care to make them happy
and healthy.
Keep pruning to the minimum
and avoid unnecessary cuts and
bruises.
Adeniums should not be
watered for 3 days after
pruning, to prevent rot.

46
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

Some people hang them after pruning

for a couple of weeks before repotting
them, to ensure better growth and
healthier form. It may look a bit
shocking or even brutal to novices like
me but seasoned growers swear by the
technique to say that it helps the plant
to regain its vigor and maturity.
I have avoided such shock treatments
to my Adeniums except in a couple of
rare cases where I noticed root rot
spreading to the caudex and had to
resort to surgery and consequent rest
for the plant, by hanging it in the Picture credit: Adeniums India: CC-BY-SA
shade for ten days before replanting.

47
 Dr. Anant Raman

Occasional fertilization by foliar spray or root feed with vermi-compost or

fertilizer pellets will get the plants looking cheerful and blooming to their best.

REPOTTING

Adeniums need to be repotted once in 2 or 3 years to allow the roots to

expand and for the caudex to gain its
unique shape.
The preferred time for repotting is just
after the rains, for those in tropical and
semi-tropical climates with a predictable
monsoon pattern.
The advantage of this timing is that the
roots can be inspected for any rot due to
excessive moisture during the rain.

48
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

In cases where one notices rots setting

in any of the roots, the plant can be
rested in shade after washing the roots
and brushing them with a suitable
fungicide solution.
I experimented with a completely new
way to protect the roots with a
solution of Turmeric powder mixed
with Cinnamon powder in clean
drinking water, as it is organic and
plant friendly. I have found it to be
quite effective and have been using it
for the past few years with good
results on all my Adeniums, for
repotting.
Turmeric cinnamon solution for root soak
Five liters of water with 100 grams of

49
 Dr. Anant Raman

turmeric powder and 20 grams of

cinnamon powder added together and
mixed well by stirring into a smooth
solution can be used to treat over 30
plants or more and can be kept for
several days for repeated use if so
desired.

The roots that have signs of rot need

surgical removal of the rot with
sterilized knife and scooping
instrument which are easily available at
medical supplies. Dipping and wiping
the knife and scoop in denatured spirit
before use will ensure that the plant is
saved from further rot and after resting

50
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

them for about ten or fifteen

days to make sure that they
are completely healed, they
can be repotted in bigger
pots, taking care to lift the
caudex well above the top
level of filling material and
letting the roots be fully
covered.
After repotting, the plants
can be watered just enough
and kept in partial shade for
a week before moving them
into full sunlight and regular
watering cycle.

51
Dr. Anant Raman

52
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

53
Dr. Anant Raman

54
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

6 GRAFTING

Adeniums lend themselves very

nicely to grafting and it is a pleasure
to watch the grafts grow and mature
into beautiful branches that carry the
blooms that are identical to the
mother plant from which the graft
was taken.
Flat grafting is by far the most
preferred method although there are
some who still use V-graft method
which is well established.
In the flat graft method the base
plant is cut flat about 5 or 6 inches

55
 Dr. Anant Raman

above the caudex, with a

sterilized knife and the sap
allowed to drain off for a few
seconds.
The graft of about a centimeter
in length, having a couple of
bud spots, freshly cut from the
branch of the mother plant or
donor plant, is then placed at
the top of the base plant or
receiving plant.
A piece of thin transparent
plastic sheet is tightly wrapped
over the graft and securely held
in position with the use of a

56
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

rubber band or polythene wrap material cut into thin strips for this purpose.
One can experiment with different ways to hold it in position and it is not
very complicated, once we get the
knack of it by trying it out on a few
grafts.
The graft will show signs of success
within a week. It will still be green
and firmly attached to the plant.
The plastic wrap is to be removed
after 8 or 10 days from the day of
grafting. The plant will grow new
sprouts from the grafted piece and
any other growth if seen from below
the grafted piece will have to be removed so the graft can establish and
grow well.

57
 Dr. Anant Raman

The V-graft is another method

where the plant stem of root stock is
cut in the shape of a V cut and the
graft piece is also cut to match the
same so it can sit in the groove so
formed. Again the grafted piece is
held firmly in position by wrapping
it with a long piece of polythene
ribbon and tied firmly.
Alternatively rubber band can also
be used to secure it in position.
It will take about 8 to 10 days for
the graft to merge with the root
stock and the wrap is to be removed
by that time to allow the graft to get

58
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

fresh air and start sprouting.

Watering is to be avoided for this period of
10 days after which the plant can be treated
with the same watering cycle as before.
It is also interesting to graft different colors
on to different branches of the same plant
and within a few months the plant will
sport multicolored blooms that will be a
joy to watch.

Pleating and carving are some of the other

variations that Adenium enthusiasts try on
their plants with some interesting results
but they are not favored by most who
prefer to keep it traditional.

59
Dr. Anant Raman

60
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

61
Dr. Anant Raman

62
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

63
Dr. Anant Raman

64
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

65
Dr. Anant Raman

66
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

67
Dr. Anant Raman

68
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

69
7 SHARING

The more we share, the more we grow. Here we share some glimpses of the
single petal and multi-petal forms in a vase array of colors and intricate designs
in the gallery apart from those that have been interlaced with each chapter.
The vast number of cultivars and hand germinated cross breeds wouldn’t
have been possible if there was restricted sharing.
We owe it to the pioneers in this field, for their patience and perseverance in
giving birth to rich varieties and pleasing combinations of colors in single-petal
and multi-petal forms.
There are so many and their numbers keep increasing every day and therefore it
is not easy to include all of them in a small compilation like this which is meant
to provide a basic introduction to anyone interested in knowing about
Adeniums.
The reference sites provided at the end of this book could help the reader in
knowing more and to start his own collection if so desired.

70
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

GALLERY
Here are some glimpses into the single-
petal and multi-petal forms of intricate
design that characterize the vast scope of
possibilities with hybridization in the field
of Adenium cultivation.
It is by no means exhaustive but simply an
attempt to provide a visual treat to
Adenium lovers and the general public
who are coming into contact with this
wonderful species for the first time.
If it generates enough love and awe for
this adorable plant we would be happy
that our purpose is served. Picture credit: Adeniums India

71
Dr. Anant Raman

72
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

73
74
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

75
Dr. Anant Raman

76
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

77
Dr. Anant Raman

78
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

79
Dr. Anant Raman

80
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

81
Dr. Anant Raman

82
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

83
Dr. Anant Raman

84
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

85
Dr. Anant Raman

86
ADORABLE ADENIUMS

87
 Dr. Anant Raman

AUTHOR:

Dr. Anant Raman

Instrument engineer by profession,

Yoga specialist by choice

Humorist by God's grace,

Sunday painter, Photographer, Terrace gardener and Freelance writer

among countless other things that keep me thankful

for being alive at this wonderful time, on this divine earth.

Feel free to contact me :

Email : laughingflowers@[Link]

Face book : [Link]/[Link]

88
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

Technical support and inspiration provided by:

Mr. Jalandar Reddy

Adenium grower with a lovely farm about fifty kilometers from Chennai
where he can be seen in the company of more than a hundred thousand
Adeniums in different stages of cultivation, grafting and care.

Has been very generous in sharing his knowledge and bringing down the
market price of several varieties and cultivars of Adeniums for the past
fourteen years and his admirers keep growing day by day.

Can be contacted at:

Email : adeniumsindia@[Link]

Web : [Link]

Face book : [Link]/adeniumsindia

89
 Dr. Anant Raman

REFERENCES

(1) For varieties of Adeniums, grafting and tips including ordering Adeniums on line for
delivery anywhere in India: [Link]

(2) For sharing with other Adenium lovers:

[Link]/adeniumsindia

[Link]/adenium

90
 ADORABLE ADENIUMS

In the world of flowers Adeniums

occupy a special place and Adenium
lovers seem to consider it a princess
among flowering plants. New forms,
patterns and colors are introduced
almost every day by hybridizers and
enthusiasts sharing a passion that
crosses boundaries, across a hundred
countries in five continents. Once
you experience the beauty of this
plant you are most likely to join the
millions of people who love and
share Adeniums in various nurseries
and gardens. The objective of this
compilation is to give a glimpse into
the beauty and versatility of
Adeniums and let people experience
it in all its glory, on their own.
Welcome to the world of Adeniums
also known as Desert Rose.

91