Desert roses are easy once you understand three things — how much sun they need, when to water, and which soil keeps their roots happy.
Chapter 1 — Sunlight
Adeniums love the sun. Give them at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day — a south or west-facing rooftop is perfect.
With too little sun, the plant grows long and thin and stops flowering. If you move a plant from shade into full sun, do it gradually over a week so the leaves don't burn.
Chapter 2 — Watering
The most common way to kill an Adenium is too much water. Water deeply, then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again.
In summer that may be every 3–4 days; in the monsoon and winter, much less. If the caudex (the fat stem) feels soft, stop watering immediately — that is a sign of root rot.
Chapter 3 — Soil and pots
Use a fast-draining mix: roughly equal parts garden soil, coarse sand and cocopeat or brick pieces. Always use a pot with drainage holes.
Repot once a year at the start of summer, and lift the plant slightly higher each time to show off the caudex.
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