5 Common Desert Rose Problems and How to Solve Them
The desert rose (Adenium obesum) is a striking flower that stands out in many gardens, both indoors and outdoors. It’s prized for its trumpet-shaped pink or red flowers, thin, vibrant leaves, and thick trunk that befits a bonsai plant.
Native to Africa, Madagascar and the Middle East, desert rose plants thrive in warm climates (USDA zones 11 and 12). In cold regions, it’s best grown indoors because frost and freezing temperatures can kill it.
This plant likes full sun environments, sandy or gravelly soil, and infrequent watering. The sap of a desert rose plant is toxic to pets and humans. Always handle it with care and keep it out of reach of children, cats, and dogs.
Desert rose problems
Although desert rose plants grow slowly, about 12 inches per year, they are generally easy to care for, thanks to their resistance to drought. Here are some of the challenges to expect and how to solve them.
1. Root rot
The biggest problem affecting desert rose plants is root rot, caused by overwatering. Excess water in the soil stops air from reaching the roots which causes them to suffocate and die. Additionally, waterlogged soils encourage fungi that cause root rot.
The most important thing is to keep the soil moist but never soaked. During the growing season, check on the soil periodically and allow it to dry out completely before watering. You may use a soil moisture meter or dip your finger in the soil to test the moisture level.
In the fall and winter when the plant is dormant, cut back on watering. Provide water only once a month to sustain the plant. Additionally, plant your desert rose in well-draining soil and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Note: Desert rose doesn’t need additional humidity because it’s conditioned to dry hot climates.
How to fix
Yellowing or leaf falling off is a common sign of overwatering. Remove the plant from the soil and inspect the roots. If the roots appear dark and mushy, cut them away using a clean sharp knife and repot the succulent in a fresh well-draining potting mix.
2. Leaf drop
The desert rose will naturally drop leaves when temperatures fall to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This shouldn’t be an alarm because the plant is just entering a dormant phase. To keep it alive, stop watering, bring it indoors, and place it somewhere it will not freeze.
Leaf dropping during the growing season in spring or summer can be a sign of many issues including overwatering, underwatering or insufficient light. Desert rose plants prefer soils that are moist but not waterlogged and full sun.
How to fix
Check the soil moisture content. If you haven’t watered for some time, it’s best to give your plant a drink. Stop watering if the soil feels soggy. Also, check whether your plant received enough sunlight. If not, move it to a brighter location but protect it from the hot-afternoon sun.
3. Leaf speckling
Leaf speckling can be caused by a number of issues including fungal, bacterial, or insect-related damages. Spider mites, one of the common pests for desert roses, feed by sucking the sap. This can cause spots on the leaves, discoloration, and even leaf death.
Powdery mildew can also cause blister-like marks on the upper leaf surface. This fungal disease often appears as a powdery white fuzz on succulent leaves, stems, and flower buds. Besides aesthetics concerns, powdery mildew can block light from reaching the photosynthetic cells.
How to fix
Inspect your plant thoroughly for pests and fungal diseases. Powdery mildew must be treated using a fungicide. Make sure to apply as directed by the manufacturer. Also, consider spacing your plants or pruning the excessive growth for proper airflow.
Pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids must be treated using neem oil or insecticidal soap. To get rid of a small infestation, use a strong spray of water on the underside of all the leaves or manually remove the pests with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
4. Yellowing leaves
Leaves of a desert rose may turn yellow due to overwatering or sudden temperature changes. This plant prefers infrequent watering and warm temperatures all the time. Cold drafts or a sudden drop in temperature can stress out the plant and even kill it.
How to fix
Check soil moisture and water only when necessary. Make sure the plant gets enough sunlight (at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light). When outdoor temperatures drop, bring your desert rose indoors and keep it in a warm stable environment, ideally (70°F-100° F).
5. Not flowering
Under the right conditions, a desert rose blooms within 8-10 months of planting typically in spring to mid-summer. The striking showy flowers, which are typically pink or red, are long-lasting and are attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
If your Desert Rose isn’t blooming, it might be due to insufficient light, over-fertilization, or incorrect pruning. This succulent may also take a break during the hottest and rainiest months of the growing season.
How to fix
To encourage blooming, make sure your plant receives the right conditions for flowering. Provide at least six hours of sunlight and fertilize at least once a month during spring and summer. Use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer to promote flowering.
Desert rose care tips
The desert rose can store water in its thick base making it survive drought. This makes it easy to maintain as a houseplant. Here are a few important tips for growing this beautiful plant.
- If grown indoors, place it near an east or south-facing window. Too little sunlight may cause leggy growth and fewer flowers.
- Water only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause root rot. Water less in winter when the plant enters dormancy.
- Use a well-draining soil mix such as cactus mix combined with sand when potting or repotting. The pot must have adequate drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
- Desert roses thrive in warm temperatures (70-100°F). If temperatures drop to 50°F, bring the plant indoors to prevent frost damage.
- Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize during dormancy (fall and winter).
- Prune in early spring to encourage bushier growth.
- Regularly inspect for spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
How to propagate a desert rose
Desert roses can be grown from seed or branch cuttings. Before you get started, put on garden gloves to protect your skin from the toxic sap of this plant.
- Select a thick, healthy branch and use a sharp, sterilized knife to make a clean cut, at least 5 inches long.
- Place the cutting in a dry, shaded area for 2-3 days. This prevents rot by allowing the cut to form a callus.
- Plant the cut end into a well-draining potting media like cactus soil mixed with perlite or sand. Insert the cutting about 2 inches deep into the soil.
- Lightly mist the soil, keeping it slightly moist but not wet and keep the cutting in a warm bright location.
- After six to eight weeks, you should notice new growth. Once rooted, water sparingly like a mature plant.
Final thought
The desert rose is a stunning plant. It can brighten up any garden thanks to its striking red or pink flowers. Accustomed to hot dry conditions, this succulent needs infrequent watering and this makes it easy to grow and maintain.
However, like any other plant, your desert rose can face a few problems including root rot, yellowing, leaf drop, lack of blooming, and spots on the leaves. These challenges can be addressed effectively when discovered early. So, inspect your plants regularly.
My name is Diane M Lewik, and I am the founder of this website. I am a degree holder in plant biology from the University of California – Berkeley. Over the years, I have cultivated a vast collection of succulents and I have learned a great deal about how to grow and care for these unique plants. Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below.
