I ordered 10 desert rose seeds online. Planted one in February and so far so good! I think. ( Yes I know the pot is too big for it but I'm honestly afraid of transfering it to a smaller pot. I am very careful about not watering it too much This pic the top of the soil is slightly damp because 1 just gave it a little spray of water) Anyways I keep noticing the roots coming up out of the soil. I thought maybe I just planted the seed to shallow so I usually gently cover them with a light sprinkle of a bit more dirt. I also noticed these tiny little brownish spikes. And little green things coming out of above a few of the leafs. I circled them in my pic. What are they? And should I keep covering the roots or just leave it be? I can't find any step by step on how to grow and care for these beautiful adeniums online. It's all kind of spaced out. Thanks in advance
Does the pot have drainage holes? If it doesn't, you're likely to end up with overwatering problems sooner or later. The 'tiny little brownish spikes' look like it might be an aborted leaf scar? Likely doesn't matter, but check regularly in case the brown spreads at all. The 'little green things coming out of above a few of the leafs' are new side shoots, so they're OK.
No it doesn't have drainage holes. I currently live in an RV and I have a dehumidifier for a 4 bedroom house set up in here. I am extremely careful with how much I water this adeniem. What should I do about these little roots coming up from the dirt? And should I repot it into a smaller terracotta pot?
Not an expert on this, but I'm wondering if you're being extra careful when watering, so there isn't water going deep enough into the plant, so the roots are going up to where the water is. I think the spraying of the soil surface is not a good idea. But those roots right at the trunk at the soil line are ok (I think; someone can correct me). If you're talking repotting anyway, then sure, repot into something with drainage in the bottom, so that (we can stop worrying, and) when it's dry, you can water thoroughly and then make sure it's not sitting in water. You want to be able to lift it and feel that it's heavier after you water it (if it's dry, the water at first will run right through without actually dampening much of the soil - you need to assure that the soil has all soaked up water). Then make sure it's light before you water it again. It might take weeks. I don't know if the leaves will droop a little to tell you it's time. I'd guess terra cotta would be a good idea for a plant like this that holds moisture in its trunk, but I'm just making that up. I have not grown one of these, have just seen them as large outdoor plants in a cactus garden in Hawai'i. You can get a pot a little smaller than the one it's in so it will sit inside your nice glazed pot. Just make sure there is no more water dripping through before putting the inner pot back in what will now be called a jardiniere. Feel how light it is in the new pot before you water it, when it does not have saturated soil. The plant actually looks very good so far.
Hey there! Your adenium looks great for a beginner plant! I can offer a few tips to help you out, based on my experience: Watering: Adeniums are succulents, so they prefer drier conditions. It’s good that you’re waiting for the soil to dry before watering. However, avoid letting it sit in water for long periods or overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. During the growing season (spring to early fall), you can water it more regularly but still let the soil dry out between waterings. Lighting: They love bright sunlight, so try to give it at least 6 hours of direct light per day. If it’s indoors, a sunny window should work, or you could use a grow light if needed. Fertilizing: You can use a balanced fertilizer (diluted) every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Just make sure to stop fertilizing in the dormant period (late fall/winter). Leaf Drop: Lower leaves falling off could be normal, especially if it's transitioning to a new environment. If new leaves are growing and the plant looks healthy overall, it might just be part of its normal cycle. Potting Mix: Adeniums prefer well-draining soil. Your mix looks good in the photo, but if you ever repot, you could consider adding a bit more perlite or sand to improve drainage. It’s looking pretty healthy! If the lower leaf drop continues or you see any other unusual signs, feel free to share, but I think you're off to a good start.
Suddenly it's not looking so good. I Am using grow lights. But which color is best for this adenium. I have one that is like a bright white then I have a green one And one that is pink/purple
For your Adeniums, the best grow light spectrum typically depends on the stage of growth. Adeniums thrive with a full-spectrum light, but here's how different colors impact them: Bright white light: This is closest to natural sunlight and is generally good for all stages of growth. Green light: Plants generally don't use green light effectively for photosynthesis, so this isn't the best option. Pink/purple light: This light usually contains a mix of red and blue wavelengths, which are ideal for both vegetative growth and flowering. For Adeniums, I’d recommend using the bright white or pink/purple grow lights, as they will provide a better balance of the light spectrum for both growth and flowering. The green light is not beneficial for the plant.
