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English: Succulent plants can be interesting plants to grow, and the adenium, or desert rose (Adenium obesum), could be one of the most unusual in this group, with its thick, oddly shaped stems that give the plant a one-of-a kind shape. All adeniums have attractive flowers reminiscent of roses, but the variety called "Crimson Star" has especially colorful, deep red flowers. It grows outdoors year-round in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11 and makes a good houseplant in colder areas.

Growth Habit and Light

"Crimson Star" Adenium has stems that are smooth and grayish-white on the surface and flowers that can appear non-stop when the plant is grown under ideal conditions. Its stems and roots store large quantities of water, making them extremely swollen and often giving the plant a bizarre appearance. A slow-grower, it can reach a mature height of 3 to 6 feet when full-size. When grown outdoors, "Crimson Star" needs a bright, sunny spot and does best with full sun for the entire day. When grown as a potted houseplant, the best indoor location is a sunroom or a south- or west-facing, un-curtained window. In cold-winter areas, potted specimens also do well when moved outdoors to a sunny spot once spring temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Soil and Water

"Crimson Star" prefers a loose, sandy or gravely soil that's extremely well-drained. If planting a specimen in the garden and your soil is high in clay that can hold water for long periods, amend the soil with fine sand to improve its drainage. While the plant is growing actively, generally from early spring through summer, it needs watering at least once each week and more often during dry spells. However, an Adenium slows its growth, becomes semi-dormant and rests during winter, when watering should be restricted to once every three or four weeks. Feeding and Pruning

During the warm months of its growing season, "Crimson Star" does best when fertilized every few weeks. Use a balanced, 10-10-10 formula, diluted at a rate of 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water. "Crimson Star" might become a bit leggy with time, especially if grown in a partially shaded spot. You can prune a plant at any time, cutting back branches by about 1/3 to encourage a fuller, more branched form. Because the plant blooms on the terminal ends of its branches, this treatment can also produce more flowers as an added benefit. Problems

"Crimson Star" Adenium is rarely troubled by insect pests, although it might attract mealybugs or spider mites, which can cause leaves to drop. Spray as needed with an insecticidal soap diluted at a rate of 5 tablespoons per gallon of water to control these pests. The plant is also not susceptible to plant diseases, unless grown under wet conditions. Keeping soil constantly moist during periods of slow growth can promote fungal diseases such as root rot. This problem can be serious but avoided by ensuring soil is well-drained and allowed to dry slightly between waterings. For potted specimens, using a clay or unglazed ceramic pot can speed drying of soil after watering and also help prevent fungal problems.