The Desert Rose, Information and Help Options

[Anne_OZ]

I just bought this Desert Rose and I'm wondering if I'm keeping it right, can I grow this down here? It's lost its leaves and I dont know if I'm watering it too much or too little, any other information will be a help

Heres the Victim;

[turtleman]

Great to see you Anne; Always happy to hear from you, can you grow it down there? Of Course You Can!!. Since its winter up here down under its summer,, and since you live in about the most lush place there is (I love the pics you sent me) its going to be fine growing there.. first thing we want to do is remember that its a succulent, what that means is your going to want to allow it to dry out in-between waters, during the summer months it might need to be watered twice a week if your potting soil drys out well, were not talking about "Dry as a Bone",,, but not wet. During the winter I'd cut back the watering to twice a month depending on how wet the soil is and its normal to loose some of its leaves in winter also, Trillium's had the same questions about the winter so make sure you read her post by clicking HERE. Also you might want to add a small amount of time release fert on it,, summers are its growing time so lets help it out all we can!

Let us know how it goes!

[Anne_OZ]

So Far so good

[turtleman]

Looks good Anne, over time it will add some more branches and flower.
Is that a raised bed garden I see in the background??

[Anne_OZ]

Hi Turt
Yes my Desert Rose is looking much healthier than before, thanks to you, and to answer your question, yes that is a raised garden bed in the background - our vegie garden! We grow tomatoes, zuchhini, cucumber, silverbeet, beans etc. Of course we have extremely hot weather here at time. A few weeks ago, on a Wednesday the temperature hit 48 deg c (thats 118 deg f) and that knocks everything about (including us!) so things have a tendency to whither away and die.
I will keep you posted on the Desert Rose. Hey Turt, have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
Annie
xx

[turtleman]

118,, that makes you more just like the Arizona Desert LOL so we have allot in common we have to deal with heat all the time to. We'll be able to share ideas on staying cool in the summers

You have a great Christmas Anne

[lonestar]

Are they related to plumeria? The leaf and stalk kind of look similar. Plumeria stock is not so crooked but mine has that woody look to it.

[turtleman]

I might be wrong Lonestar, Adenium (Desert Rose) and Plumeria have a different Genius,, so I'm saying they look alike but are not in the same genetic codes

[Anne_OZ]

Hi Turt
Just wanted to drop in and say Happy New Year! Hope all is going well with you. I repotted my Desert Rose the other day. I realised that the pot I had it in wasn't deep enough. I don't know if its just a coincidence or not, but it has already grown new leaves (yeah I know.....coincidence huh? lol). Anyway its looking really healthy so when it picks up a little more I will send you another pic.

Weather here has been a bit erratic. Hot and humid one day and then raining the next. I must admit though, I prefer the rain at the moment, but no doubt if it keeps up more than a few days we will all be complaining how we want the hot weather back!

Well my dear friend, hope to hear how things are going - take care
Annie
xx

[turtleman]

(((((Annie))))))

Good to see you here again, so far the year is going OK,, I still dont know if I'll have enough hours in the day to get done the things I want to,, but I'm sure praying that I can grow all that I want and that I get the well in!, LOL

Seems likw the weather is odd all over the globe, we've been cold here and lucky enough to get some rain, even though we need allot more...

Gee you'd never thing that if you give a plant some room for root growth that it acutlly grows would ya?
LOL




PS. Annie let me know what your favorite flower is, I'll make you a siggie

[Anne_OZ]

Hi Turt
Great to hear from you too My all time favourite flower is the gardenia. I simply love the perfume. I have three gardenia bushes outside my bedroom window. They flowered really well this year and I was picking flowers off them constantly. I had the flowers in the computer room and the perfume is just divine! Hope to talk to you soon.
Annie
xx

[Anne_OZ]

Hey - lookit! lookit!! Isn't my desert rose coming along wonderfully. This photo was taken this morning 17 March!

Turt are they normally such slow growing plants? I have given it a little bit of slow release fertilizer (not much). I shouldn't complain though - its back from the brink of death and looking very healthy don't you think?

Attached File(s)

 P3170020.JPG ( 42.96K ) Number of downloads: 10

 

[turtleman]

Looks Fantastic Annie!! You've done a great job bringing it back from the ends! Slow release fert is a great idea also and yes they are slow growers but as long as you have a well drained soil, somewhat on the loamy/sandy side it will do fine as long as the roots have room to grow

Your doing Great Annie!

[lonestar]

Well that certainly looks like one very happy plant now.

[Anne_OZ]

Thanks Turt and Lonestar
I really get a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction when I look at this little plant. It really was incredibly sick at one stage (as you can see from the first photo I posted) and to see it flourish now makes me feel good. Just imagine what I will be like when it decides to flower!! We will have to have a party! I do realise that is a long way off but I am willing to wait as long as it takes

Hey Turt, our weather here is cooling down a fair bit now. This plant is sitting outside on the table of our bbq setting which is under a shade cloth cover. It gets filtered morning and midday sun and a lot of light. Although it doesn't snow here it can get rather chilly during the nights (not so much during the day) and it usually rains a fair bit in winter (well one hopes it will or we will be on water restrictions again!) so where should I put it now? Should I bring it back inside and place it near the east window to get the morning-midday sun or will that be too hot? Thats where it was originally and didn't do well but that was during summer when the heat was intense. During winter it isn't so bad. What do you think? Will it survive outside during our winter months?

Annie

[turtleman]

I'd move it inside where it gets plenty of sun and is warm once your temps get down,, they wont take to much of a freeze

[Anne_OZ]

Thanks Turt will do that when it gets a little cooler.
Annie

[Anne_OZ]

Hey guys - check it out now!!!

Attached File(s)

 desertrose.jpg ( 52.8K ) Number of downloads: 11

 

[lonestar]

Now that is a beauty. Good work Anne_oz.

[turtleman]

WOW

Talk about new growth!!!

Great job Annie, next thing you know it will be sending out branches from the sides!
\

[Anne_OZ]

Really?? Is that what its supposed to do? When do you think it will finally flower??

[turtleman]

LOL.... just give it a little more time to grow,, blooms will come,, blooming is more of a light issue than a size/age issue but it does have to be mature enough to flower.. One day you'll look at it and see blooms. Watch pots never boil!

[Anne_OZ]

wow you should see it now! Will send a pic soon - its shot right up (no side branches though).

[Anne_OZ]

An update.

Ok my dear desert rose has really grown. It would be about 6-7 inches tall now. No side branches but very healthy although it has a very bent trunk. I would say that is because of where I keep it. Only gets sun in the morning so it is bending in that direction. I have turned it around on occasions but I don't think this will help anymore. Not to worry, it has great character.

Ok to get it to branch out do I do anything (like pinch off the tip) I am a bit reluctant to do that because I don't want to kill it - how would you feel if someone pinched your head right off your shoulders? lol

Should I just leave it alone and let it do what it wants?

[turtleman]

[Anne_OZ]

Thanks Doc!

[Anne_OZ]

Hey guys........just wanted to give you an update on my Desert Rose.

It is now about 10" in height - (can't really measure it accurately because its bent like a banana lol - although it doesn't dance like this one!)

Its doing extremely well....keeps growing and growing and growing.

I went to my friends place on the weekend and hers are only about 5-6" in height but they have a few side branches (they look like bonsai a little) and hers has a flower! wow huh!

Attached File(s)

 DESERT.jpg ( 121.81K ) Number of downloads: 41

 

[lonestar]

Hopefully 2006 will be the year of the blooming plants.

My plumeria is almost 3 feet tall and still hasn't bloomed. Same with my bird of paradise.

We can grow em tall so lets hope we can make em purty too. LOL

[Anne_OZ]

Good luck with yours Lonestar! Maybe they will flower at the same time lol

[Trillium]

Hey Annie...how's your Desert Rose doing? Here in the land of 'winter' (so-called), I left mine out on the shadecloth covered patio and now all the leaves are crispy. Both plants grew really well last summer, in bright shade with regular water. They have some fun shapes and little branches growing out the top.


So what's the opinion of the active members of this forum...will they bounce back??

Have a great day everyone

[turtleman]

((((((Trillium))))))........ good to see you,, I'd thought you fell off the face of the planet or sumptin!

How crisp did the leaves get? was it after the last cold nights we had??.. some areas are getting down kinda cold at night,, no freeze yet but I'd keep them warm,, and yes if its alive it will come back,, its not to uncommon for them to drop some leaves but this time of year here we have to be careful of overwarteing

[Trillium]

The leaves fall off when I touch them...aka...very crispy!! Should I bring the pots inside, for perhaps another month? I know they're fine outside during the day (heck, at 80 deg. everything is ok outside) but it's the 40+ deg. drop at night that's causing stress.

Thanks for your help!!

[turtleman]

Your right Trillium.. the days are fine but moveing inside for the night is the safest thing to do.. not seeing the plant and from what youve said here you might want to prune/pinch the tips back a little to enhance additional growth from lower nods

[Trillium]

The temps at night are in the 40 deg F range and during the day, (yesterday for eg.)up to 94 deg F. Could this large difference between night and day cause stress on the Desert Rose and/or any other plants? I'm guessing the trimming you suggest should be done sometime beyond mid-February?

My plumeria's new growth tips (from sprouts grown in November) have turned black. I'm guessing the temp. range is so great, along with the cool nights, the reason for this. I'm very careful not to overwater at this time of year. I have a moisture meter to check the pots before watering.

BTW...love the skins

[turtleman]

Yes your right Trillium.. the temp range is very large so the plant is confused as to weather its summer and its growth cycle or winter its dormance cycle.. and that is the reason the plumeria's new growth is dark brown,, it thinks its summer so it grows (temp/light) then the evenings set in and the new growth is to young to be able to handel the sharp drop in temps...

I've seen this type of season before.. I think whats going to happen is the warm days will continue... BUT!! once winter sets in, its going to come overnight and set in hard.. people who are un-protected are going to get caught and loose some of there plants.. Be Safe not Sorry!

[Anne_OZ]

Hi Trillium Happy New Year!!

An update......my desert rose is still growing taller. No signs of flowers or side branches. Just one longggggggg bent trunk. Should I nip of the tip Turt?? I know I asked you that once before but just wanted to ask again. The tip is a healthy green producing new leaves all the time. Kinda don't want to hurt it but I would love it to produce a branch here or there. Just measured it quickly (taking into account the bent trunk) and its about 12 inches tall now. I am thinking about repotting it - we are in mid summer though. I guess thats not really the right time is it??

[turtleman]

Are there any other leaves on it besides the top?.. if so it wont hurt to top it,, but what you dont want to do is cut it back and leave no leafs.. if that happens it wont be able to complete its photosinthecitc cycle and could die.. but a larger container wont hurt on bit.. give the roots all the room they need to grow

[Anne_OZ]

Hey Turt
Thanks for getting back to me. The whole trunk has leaves on it right from the bottom to the top (as in my last pic). Do you think if I nip the top (very hesitant) that it would look weird when it grows i.e. have a stubby end to its trunk and all of a sudden two branches (thats if they grow) protruding from left and right of trunk??? If I let it grow how tall do you think it will get? We have a happy plant that is about 6ft high (will have to do something about that soon I guess before it hits the ceiling) but do you think it will turn out like that one day and perhaps have flowers growing "somewhere"? Am I making any sense here? If not let me know and I will try and explain myself better.

[turtleman]

You could take the top inch and a half off the top of that,, that will enhance side growth, so what youd end up with is two limbs growing up instead of theone you have now.. you can also take the part you cut off and root it.. now you'll have two instead of the one

[lonestar]

Does this info apply to my plumeria?

[turtleman]

I was refering to the Desert Rose (Adenium). Most plumeria grow from seed, I've never tried to grow one from cutting before.. If I had some plumeria cuttings I'd give it a shot

[Anne_OZ]

hmmmmm........ will have a little think about it...... I will let you know what I end up doing

[lonestar]

Plumerias here are sold as sticks. At the market they are just laying out with the veggies. I didn't even know what they were.

Will have to do some homework on this one.

See what you all have started. I hadn't even thought of propogation until I read the post on the desert rose. LOL

[Trillium]

To root the plumeria sticks is ever so simple

Check out this link:
http://www.azplumeria.org/plumiinfo.htm

I've got 10 or 11 'sticks' growing and 1 stick to be started. Also got some plumeria seeds sitting here in my cupboard that need to be started. From seed, they take about 3 or 4 years until blooming. From the stick, probably 1 year.

Turtleman: maybe this post should be moved to a new one...plumeria?

Lonestar and Turtleman: If you would like to try some of these seeds, I will send you some. I only have about 20==>plmk

[turtleman]

Great Link Trillium.. Thanks very much.. I might start growing some of these,, and Yes we have gotten off topic here..LOL.. Some Admin I am huh? LOL.. Just as an FYI.. theres allot going to be changing on the forum here and one of the things on the "To Do" list is edit the topics and place some things in there own topic.. not that I mind an "Open" forum, but when a person is browsing the site and looking for plumeria information they might not look in a topic about Adeniums...LOL

[Anne_OZ]

I was reading the posts and was wondering what plumera was. I looked at Trilliums link and low and behold - Plumera is Frangipani (thats what we call it here). We used to have Frangipani trees everywhere when I was little. As far as I remember my father used to cut a stick off the tree, let it dry out a little and shove it in the ground and it would just start to grow! (I could be wrong - I was only an ankle biter then). I love the smell of Frangipani flowers and one of my friends actually calls me Frangipani Annie

[turtleman]

Am I reading this right?? FryingPan Annie... The ankle biter!... LMAO

I'm going to start checking around for some wholesale sourses for these

[Trillium]

Annie, the folks from Hawaii report exactly the same as you say your father did with the plumeria==>break off and stick in the ground!! They just grow!!! The fragrance of many flowers is very pleasing.

Folks grow them everywhere in the world, even back home in Ontario, Canada!! (albeit, mostly indoors!!) So Lonestar, go for it. Grab some sticks, follow the rooting directions (they actually do work). I guess the trick I've learned is do not water for the first 30 days after potting. Root rot will be your enemy!! Annie, I bet you could follow your father's method of growing a plumeria!! (dang, I'm jealous!!)

I'll take a pic today of my little collection to show what's happening with the tops. Most of my sticks have been potted for 2 years. I have one I stuck in the ground June 05.

Another topic: ( )I'll take a pic of my 2 Desert Rose plants and Turt can let me know, based on our current temps, if I should leave alone and what I should do in Feb/Mar for them, as they start to awaken. I'm not sure if they should be trimmed

Let's see, can I get a third topic here? We could always discuss my lime/lemon tree!!! Nope..don't thinks so

[turtleman]

.. Is that a Lime or a Lemon topic???

[lonestar]

Thank goodness this isn't one of those anal retentive sites with lots of rules.

None of us know how to follow em. LOL

I have a 4 foot tall plumeria that started as a stick. It was easy to grow in the greenhouse. I am looking forward to the day it flowers.

I have never done anything but given it good soil and paid attention not to overwater. I should probably give it some fertilizer or something to assist in flower production. Best get surfing.

[Trillium]

So here's my sad, albeit winter, pics of my plumeria and desert rose.

After taking a second look at one of the desert rose pots, I think I'll trim the one long stem==>when? And notice the brown, crispy leaves? The stems are greenish so the roots are ok.

The plumeria in the ground was put there 'temporarily' in June for the three months I was gone from the garden. I'm going to dig it up to replant it (without the 1 gal pot!)in the garden. Can you see the little black tops in the close up pic?

I know the pics aren't the greatest but I wanted to share the visual of what I have been talking about lately.

Cheers

Attached File(s)

 P1160004.JPG ( 141.13K ) Number of downloads: 31
 P1160011.JPG ( 140.94K ) Number of downloads: 26
 P1160002.JPG ( 135.87K ) Number of downloads: 24
 P1160005.JPG ( 139.37K ) Number of downloads: 27

 

[turtleman]

They sure look like they got a wack of cold to me Trillium,, the black leafs are whats giveing me that clue.. I'd suggest keeping them warm and placeing them in a site where they get all the sun they can get.. but also as you already know,, be careful in the winter of overwartering,, Also looks like when you re-plant the one in the ground (3 or 5 gallon container) and after it adjusts to the move it could be something to consider topping.. check for small growth at the nods

[Trillium]

Thank you very much for you advice!!

[lonestar]

Thanks for posting the pictures.

Now that I see the plumeria and the desert rose side by side I can see the differences.

[Anne_OZ]

Hey guys
Just thought I would drop in - thanks for the pics Trillium. Your desert rose with the branches at the bottom looks like the one my friend has whereas the one of the left is like mine. Tall and bent lol. I am too scared to chop its head off..... think about it all the time but just can't do it. Maybe one day I will get the nerve to do it and when I do I will send you a pic.

Turt and Lonestar - you both sound so incredibly busy. I hope all goes well with your projects.



bye the way pmsl......clean your glasses Turt - NOT Frying Pan Annie lmao

[turtleman]

bye the way pmsl......clean your glasses Turt - NOT Frying Pan Annie lmao

Thats to funny, I'm glad you caught that!.. LOL

Annie and dont worry about cutting the top off, just let it grow on its own, it will send out lower branches in its own time.. Dont forget to give its roots some room to grow, a larger container wont hurt

[Anne_OZ]

Thanks Turt
I might repot it. Kind of don't want to hurt it. I still look at the first pic that was posted of it...... what a sick little plant it was - on deaths door!!! It is really healthy now and it seems to be so happy (sometimes we have a bit of verbal fertiliser flying around - could have something to do with it.... lol) anywayyyyyyyy thought I would let it grow the way it wants

[Trillium]

Is there a doctor in the house? One Desert Rose is very, very sick!!! Help!!! What to do, what to do!!

Attached File(s)

 P1010003.JPG ( 152.19K ) Number of downloads: 33
 P1010004.JPG ( 133.62K ) Number of downloads: 33

 

[turtleman]

ACKKKKKKKKK!!!!!........ Sorry to let you know this Trillium,, but that puppie is gone... hes past sick, form the looks of both images it seems its had to much water or to high of humidity or a combo of both, its hard to tell from just an image but is the soil well drained? and is it allowed to dry out fully before it gets re-watered?

Looking at the first image most if not all the branches look as if there rotted from the inside out (common in these cases).. except One! in the image on the right side the first small branch dosent look wilted.. but its hard to tell from a image.. is there any green nods on that branch?? of does that branch feel firm and full?? Or is it soft and hollow??

[Trillium]

Thank you for your diagnosis . After inspection of the right branch, I would say it's relatively soft, although not as much as the other branches. The base feels pretty soft as well..

As for the watering regime, I use a moisture meter on plants that I'm trying to be careful with water. I'm thinking the cool temps might have done it in. I was surprised just this past week to test the temps in the side yard with my min/max thermometer. I saw lows to between 33 and 36 deg when the TV say temps going to 40+.

This pot was on a table on the back patio. I do believe I should have brought this puppy inside in November or December, to escape the cool temps.

Any and all comments appreciated!!

[turtleman]

WOW.. thats cold, you must be in one of the valleys cold spots. As you already know, Dried soil before re-watering, Warm temp's.. Our cold weather will retain moisture in the soils longer than we get during the summer months here.
As a foot note, during the summer I water some of my cactus every 3 days, but in the winters its about a standstill.
Sorry we couldn't save your Desert Rose, If I had a source for seeds or cuttings I'd grow some for you

[Trillium]

Thanks for your help Turtleman!! This is part of the learning curve and now I know what NOT to do for the other plant that seems to be ok!!

[Anne_OZ]

Hey guys
An update on my desert rose. Still growing taller and taller all the time. Its not branching out (I decided not to cut its head off). I have taken this photo of it with a 12 inch ruler next to it. I think I will repot it in spring as it seems to be quite happy where it is at the moment. Am starting to wonder how tall it will get

Attached File(s)

 DESROSE.JPG ( 77.29K ) Number of downloads: 30

 

[turtleman]

Congratulations Annie.. It looks like its coming along just fine, its going to be 4 foot before you know it!

[Anne_OZ]

All thanks to you Dr Turt! It was on deaths door but with your great advice we saved it

[Anne_OZ]

Another update.

I decided to repot it as the base of the plant was getting rather big and also the roots were starting to protrude from the drainage hole. I found a really lovely maroon coloured glazed pot at our local nursery and just had to buy it! The plant is shooting up like you would not believe (still no side branches though).

I did however....eeeeeeekkkkkkkk find some mealy bugs on it. Not many though and managed to pick them off. I check it every day to make sure there aren't any more and wiped down all the leaves. Not sure where the little blighters came from but thank goodness haven't seen any since. Lets just hope I won't find any more because I will just freak!

All in all it is as healthy as anything, beautiful bright green glossy leaves..... sheesh.....I'm sounding like a proud mum

[turtleman]

WoW.... from the first image you posted to where it is now you have every right to be a "Proud Mum"..LOL

[Anne_OZ]

lol thanks Turt. Seems I do better with plants than I do my kids

[Trillium]

Congrats Annie on your success with your plant !! My one survivor is outside now in morning sun only location. I do see little shoots starting at the top. I sure hope this one grows well this summer!! And I'm bringing it inside come cooler temps!!

A friend gave me a couple of seeds so I'm giving that a try!! The directions said to lay the seed flat, barely covering. So that's where it's at right now. Planted 4 days ago.

Annie....I enjoy seeing your postings on the progress of your Desert Rose!

[turtleman]

My one survivor is outside now in morning sun only location. I do see little shoots starting at the top.

Trillium?? is this the same plant that I said was a gonner? If so I'd love to know what on earth you did to help it along.. In the meantime I'll cross my fingers that it keeps growing for you

[Trillium]

Oh how I wish!! Nope...this is the second one I had. I didn't post a pic of it because it's doing fine. And yet, they were treated exactly the same...same watering, same temps, etc.

The one I asked you about in previous posts has retired to plant heaven. May it rest in peace

[Anne_OZ]

OH MYYYYYYYYY!!!
Turt!!! what is this?? This is a pic (a very bad one but I was shaking slightly with excitment) of the top of my desert rose. Do you know what it is? Are they new leaves or is it.....nah couldn't be...... um maybe???..... a flower or two? or are they branches? ya just gotta let me know pleaseeee (please excuse the little white speckles - I think thats dust )

Attached File(s)

 whatsthis.jpg ( 44.86K ) Number of downloads: 29

 

[turtleman]

Wow Annie............ you really need to dust your house!



(giggles)


Looks like the beginning of a flower bud to me Annie. Congratulations!

[Trillium]

Wow Annie!! Congratulations!! Can you please post a pic when you see the flower in full??

[Anne_OZ]

A FLOWER???? omg!!!!!!!!!!

[Anne_OZ]

sorry Trillium - I got over excited and forgot to reply to you. Of course I will post pics! I am going to have a party lol

[Anne_OZ]

My plant seems to have gone into hibernation. One of the little "flowers" has dried up and gone to god, but there are still a few more. Nothing much has happenend since though . It just as green and healthy looking as before but hasn't grown any taller .....big sigh....... Its just the same as it was 2 weeks ago. Usually it has noticeable growth over a week or so, but nuthin lately (perhaps I was counting my chickens before they hatched) Will update you again in a couple of weeks.

[Anne_OZ]

Still nothing to report. The "flowers" are still there. Haven't changed. A few more have fallen off. I think it might be having a rest

[turtleman]

It is in the "Winter" months down under so its probly goiong into it dormance cycle,, but you just wait till next spring Annie!

[Anne_OZ]

Thanks Turt - it does seem to be dormant. I was wondering what it was doing. It hasn't grown any taller and the little flowers all dried up and fell off I will keep you posted!

[lonestar]

Well if you were counting the chickens that would have come out of the eggs you posted the picture of, that explains it.

Those eggs looked sly to me. Hoodlums, all three of em! LOL

You have done great with this plant so far. No reason to believe that it won't get prize winning blooms next year.

We don't have much patience for being gardeners.

[Anne_OZ]

Hey Lonestar
Yeah those eggs were a bit dodgy. Hey the little one didn't have a yolk and the big one had two!!! Go figure lol

I am really looking forward to spring Lonestar. I really think that my plant will surprise me. At the moment its sitting in its new pot, like it is just sitting and thinking and contemplating......or maybe it has gone on a holiday - you know - flew north for the winter!

I still check it everyday for mealy bugs - they had a bit of a munch on it about 6 weeks ago and ever since then I have been paranoid. Sheesh....what has happened to me? Its like I am obesessed by it, or is that possessed?? I can honestly see this plant being with me for the next 40 years! Hmmmmm.......wondering what sort of phobia I have maybe Botanophobia although that is a fear of plants, but my fear is that it will just up and die one day..... maybe I have Carkaphobia!!!

[Anne_OZ]

Hey guys - guess what I did???
I chopped my desert rose!!!! OMG huh!!!

It kind of went into hibernation and it still looked the same as in the last pic except all the leaves fell off so it was very naked. Just this stick growing out of a pot. Then the top started to get some growth and I envisaged it just getting taller and taller (like a beanstalk with no side shoots) so I built up the courage and cut it. I put the cutting in a pot and it is growing (phew huh) and now the bottom part of the plant is sending out little shoots. Its going to look rather ugly for a while but at least it will look more like a plant than a pole lol

I will send you some pics soon.

Hope you are all well
Annie
xxx

[turtleman]

... Now you have two of them to worry about!

Good to hear from you again Annie, now I know someone is at least still around, LOL,

Your "Rose" is a slow growing plant so just give them some time and before you know it they'll be great plants

[Anne_OZ]

Yes Turt - I now have two! om gosh!!!!

Hey I am always around.....just get slack at times and don't get on the pc.

So how you doing anyway?? What have you been up to?

me
xx

[lonestar]

I am trying to work up the guts to chop my plumeria. I should be able to get lots of new plants as the thing is about 6 feet tall.

This qualifies, I think, as the longest section on this site. It takes quite awhile to scroll down to the bottom. LOL

Glad to hear that we have a desert rose pro on the forum.

[Ännie™]

I honestly think the desert rose has to be pinched off to grow branches.
this one has been pinched twice and it has several branches even as small as it is. It's done wonderful I got it several months ago.

Attached File(s)

 Desert_Rose.jpg ( 276.69K ) Number of downloads: 27

 

[Anne_OZ]

Wow Annie thats a really lovely plant. Wish mine looked like that. I will pinch mine when it gets a little stronger and see how it goes.

[lonestar]

When you talk about "pinching" what does that mean exactly? Sounds interesting.

[turtleman]

I think thats a male plant,, and Annie just likes to pinch men!......LOL.........

Otherwise shes reffering to cutting back or prunning the top off to allow side growth.....

I think both our "Annie's" have the touch to grow Adenium's, they should give a go at plumeria's also

[Anne_OZ]

Hey you have changed things since I have been here last Turt!! looks fantastic!



An update on the desert rose. The main trunk did have some shoots but they shrivelled and fell off Now it has shot out at one side and I started to panic thinking its just going to continue to grow the one new branch and will start looking silly again. Well just the other day it has started to shoot on the other side so I am so relieved ! phew - will update you with a photo soon.

The top bit (which I cut off) is struggling a little although it does have a shoot. It had a bit of a mishap the other day though. There was a brown part on the top (where it had died off slightly) and my cat was sniffing about and I have absolutely no idea why, but she decided to eat the brown part. Well I just totally freaked (not because she was eating my plant) I freaked because she started to foam at the mouth. She was constantly scraping her tongue on her teeth and foaming everwhere. My daughter was getting more and more upset thinking that Tammy (the cat) had rabies! I told her we don't have rabies in Australia but we both were incredibly concerned about her because she just kept foaming. I honestly thought she was going to die right there and then. I picked her up and tried to get some water into her mouth but she just wasn't interested. She ran outside and foamed some more. I was beside myself as I didn't know what to do but thankfully she came good just as quick as she fell ill. She was a little quiet for the rest of the day but she is okay now. So Turt - are these plants poisonous to animals or do you think it was a reaction to having had something stuck in her mouth/throat?

and yes.......I like to pinch so watch it Turt and Lonestar lol

[turtleman]

Thank You Annie.. Yes theres been another change here, the defult skin now matches the rest of the main site Here... And Yes Adenium's arn't good for eating, some are worst than others, as a good rule of thumb, If a plant bleeds what looks like milk when you cut or prune it, I'd keep it out of your mouth and off your hands and fingers!!

[Anne_OZ]

Hey Turt........thanks for the tips. I am sure that the cat won't eat anymore of my plant. I think she learned her lesson

I love the new look! I checked out your Soil Moist spikes and discs and I didn't even know things like that existed. I might have a look around my local nursery and see if I can pick up some spikes as we will be on water restrictions soon and I am sure they will come in very handy! its just a shame I can't order from you

[turtleman]

How come you cant order from me?.. Other than being the cost to ship something to the other side of the world,, I bet I can work something out for any long time friend and board member

[Anne_OZ]

Hey Turt
I know you could work out a great deal for me! Its just a shame the cost of sending it would be in the $100's lol.

I'll make a deal with you......if I move to the US I promise to order everything from you

p.s. do you supply beer as well?

[Anne_OZ]

Hello its me!
Just thought I would let you know, both "parts" of my Desert Rose seem to be doing ok. I will post a pic soon
Annie

[Trillium]

Hi everyone>>been awhile since I checked in here . I do like the new look Turtleman!!

I lost one of my baby desert rose plants in the summer (during my absence from Phoenix) but one of the small ones survived and one of my larger ones is still doing good. When the nights started to get cool, and the leaves started to turn yellowish and brownish, I pulled them both inside. I learned this lesson the hard way a couple of years ago and not let these guys experience the joy of being cool!!

My min-max thermometer went down to 30.6 F last night on the patio so good thing they weren't outside. The plumeria plants seemed to be ok>>no evidence of frost on their leaves. But the datura leaves got nipped at the very top of the plant (last night) so they have a sheet over them tonight Not a fool 2 nights in a row

[Anne_OZ]

Hi Trillium
Good to see you. I haven't been here for a while either - have been busy over christmas and now gearing up for new year!

Sorry to hear about your desert rose but just as well you have others

Here is a pic of mine. I cut the top off the larger one and now I have two and they both seem to be doing well.

While I am here I would like to wish everyone a very happy, safe and wonderful New Year for 2007!
take care guys
Annie
xx
p.s. Turt - did you get my christmas card??

Attached File(s)

 desert_rose.jpg ( 224.71K ) Number of downloads: 20

 

[turtleman]

And a safe and fantastic New Year to you to Annie,, and to all the other members here to..
Yes I did get your card and I sent a e-mail to you because I lost your mailing address,, but I guess my mail got lost
I Love the card!.......LOL

You know, I look back at the first image you posted about his lill feller, and I look at the last image you posted.. It makes me reconsider the site all together.. over time its allot of work keeping a site on-line, no matter if anyone is active or not,, and I cant tell you how many times I've thought of just closeing the place.. but then I look at the images,, and it all seems worth it somehow... the way your going Annie you might have a whole Nursery of these things!!

[Anne_OZ]

Hey Turt
It would be awfully sad if you closed down your site, but I can understand your thoughts on the matter. I can only imagine how much work goes into it and with your job and other things you do you must be tuckered out. Hopefully it won't come to closing it down though as you do such an amazing job. Do you know of anyone who could help you?

Yes, thanks to you my Desert Roses is flourishing. I am so sure it would have died a long time ago had you not helped me and for that I am grateful. I can't wait until it flowers but I am not holding my breath!! lol Of course, when it does decide I will be posting a picture straight away. It has, once again, some of those little flower bud looking things on it, but not sure if they will come to anything.

I never got your email asking for my mailing address - must have got lost in cyber space somewhere I'm glad you loved the card - I thought water would be a nice way to go, although there were many others I could have sent. Might pop something into the mail for you next year.

Well I am off to bed - nearly midnight here and I am feeling a little weary.
Take care Turt and all other members and catch you next year!!
Annie
x

[Ännie]

The Desert Rose Bloomed this year.

 Drose.jpg ( 77.07K ) Number of downloads: 10

[Anne_OZ]

Wow Ännie
That is fantastic!!! Mine hasn't bloomed yet but I am still hopeful. Well done!!!
Anne from Oz

[Ännie]

Annie, I honestly think it needs more water. With all the rains here in Texas last season it was being constantly flooded, and flooded again before even drying out. After all settled a bit it blooms. Go Figure!

[Anne_OZ]

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!! LOOK WHAT HAPPENED!!!! IT FINALLY FLOWERED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been so busy lately with work and everything I didn't even notice anything until today!!! Obviously it thrives on neglect lol. Isn't it amazing from the first pic to now.....its only taken 4 years! I will post more pics when the other buds come out! I am sooooooooo thrilled!!!!

Attached File(s)

 P3210005.JPG ( 710.37K ) Number of downloads: 15
 P3210006.JPG ( 646.1K ) Number of downloads: 13
 P3210007.JPG ( 673.31K ) Number of downloads: 10

 

[turtleman]

Great Pic's Annie, (as always)

I was just reading over this whole topic and I'm amazed at how much this has grown since you first posted with worries on if it was going to live or not. It seems to me you have the secrets figured out and I think your in for years of joy in some fantastic blooms!

Great work Annie!

[Ännie]

Absolutely Gorgeous Annie !!!

Yep I've found the best thing to do is to pinch it and ignore it, they seem to love the abuse. I haven't put my outside yet this season we're still having some cold nights but it'll be out there before long

[lonestar]

It was great to go over the history of the desert rose and then see it now. It is a beauty, congrats.

I have a 6 foot high plumeria that has three "arms" on it and it blooms yellow every year. I always wonder if cutting it back would help it bush out a little. You can count the number of leaves on the thing.

I trimmed the fig tree last year as it was taller than the house and very leggy. It has done extremely well. Very thick and full this year. I was going to move it to another property because it was so ugly. I guess it can stay now that it is good looking again. The fruit gets eaten by the squirrels but if not for them it would be a messy tree. It bears fruit twice a year.

Sorry got off topic there. Your desert rose is beautiful and congratulations on the your success.

[Anne_OZ]

Hi guys
Gosh many apologies as I haven't been around and I am feeling very guilty. I have been meaning to post this pic of my desert rose for a while but can't get on the pc very often these days.

Anyway this plant never ceases to amaze me. It flowered again beautifully this year and then all of a sudden it produced seed pods. They are the strangest looking things (well at least I think they are). The part that I cut off the desert rose and repotted went to heaven due to lack of TLC - yes its my fault very sad, but at least the main plant is thriving.

Hope you are all well
love Annie
xxx  Seeds.jpg ( 96.51K ) Number of downloads: 9

[turtleman]

Well it's about time you got back here... or at least to the longest running topic on the site I think..LOL

Take the seeds when there mature and sow them for a few more plants. Kep going the way you are and your going to have a forest there..

This has sure come a long way since it was a small sick little stick... but look at the results!

[Anne_OZ]

Hi Guys
Yes I know Turt. Haven't been here for eons.

Sad news. My desert rose is slowly going to god. I moved in January this year and the new place I moved to was extremely cold this winter. The sun does not shine into the house anywhere suitable to put the plant. You see where I used to live I would bring my plant in for the winter and it would get sun until about 1pm. The house was always warm and it thrived. Since moving it had been neglected somewhat, and as it rained constantly at one stage it got water logged and started to rot. I didn't realise - I am such a bad mother

When I did realise it was kinda too late. The trunk of the DS is all soft - must have water congregating underneath it. I had to give it a huge trim and have placed it in the sun near the garage as it is summer here now. I need to get some good potting mix - free draining - something it would like (any ideas?) The seed pods didn't mature at all. Obviously it suffered just as much as I did from the move. I still have hope that it will survive. When I get a chance I will post a pic of it.

Hope you are all well
Annie
xxx