hello, I from trinidad and tobago, would like to know it orchid mix can be use as a media for desert roses?
This is an excellent web link on Adenium cultivation that should answer your questions. http://www.tropicanursery.com/adenium/cultivation.htm I do use "orchid mix", but it consists of about 20-25% of the potting mix. I use an expanded clay "bonsai soil" (20-25%), vermiculite (20-25%), and a good commercial potting soil (20-25%). The mix is very loose with little compaction, plenty of aeration. Treat adeniums like a tropical plant (plenty of water) during its active growing season (summer) and like a desert cactus during its dormant period (winter). In between, occasionally water based upon how firm/soft the caudex and branches are.
Thanks for the info mark, please see also that I'm in trinidad and tobago, we don't have winter, just 2 seasons here the rainy and the sunny season, I keep my desert rose outside in sunlight..... right its in pro-mix a soil recommended for it ....was curious however about using orchid mix.....thanks again for info
"...I'm in trinidad and tobago, we don't have winter, just 2 seasons here the rainy and the sunny season..." Adeniums are native to the hot, arid conditions in and around the Middle East. Many of the largest Adenium nurseries are in India and Thailand where they do not have a cold winter, but like Trinidad and Tobago, have a rainy and a dry season. However, the plants still have a dormant period when they need to rest and you should back off significantly on your watering. The plant mix I use works well in my environment in western Michigan. You might be better off using a soil mix as described in the web link I gave you. That nursery is in Thailand, I believe, where they would have a dry season and a rainy season. Mark
