Adenium obesum è un arbusto succulento caudiciforme nella famiglia Apocynaceae (rosa del deserto), coltivato per il suo fusto rigonfio e i fiori luminosi; la linfa è tossica.
Needs the brightest light you can give it — at least 4–6 hours of direct sun daily. Insufficient light causes weak, etiolated growth and no flowers. A sunny south window or full outdoor sun in summer is ideal.
Treat as a caudex succulent: water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Water sparingly while in active growth and keep nearly dry during the cool winter rest to avoid rotting the swollen caudex.
Plant in a very gritty, fast-draining cactus/succulent mix with extra pumice or coarse sand. Excellent drainage is essential — standing moisture quickly rots the roots and caudex.
Loves warmth, 25–35 °C in growth; keep above 10 °C in winter. Low humidity is preferred. Cold, damp conditions are the main cause of failure.
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a diluted balanced fertilizer, or a low-nitrogen bloom formula to encourage flowering. Do not feed during winter dormancy.
The milky sap is toxic if ingested and can irritate skin and eyes — wear gloves. Prune after flowering to shape the plant and encourage branching; cuts also thicken the caudex over time. Keep away from children and pets.