Expert: Darlene K. Kittle - 11/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: I just acquired an adenium from a friend. It was planted in her patio in the ground by the beach. It is about 12 inches high. I took it out of the ground, very carefully without disturbing the roots. I placed it in a pot with the same soil until I got home. I then took it out of the pot again, because the soil although with some sand, was kind of clumped up like clay. I then replaced part of the soil with lighter material. But 1 week later I can feel the caudex a little soft and turning kind of tan. I haven't really watered it. Its outside and I am here in Puerto Rico and the weather is always hot.Oh, The roots are fine, not soft and I cut into the caudex a little...all white????

ANSWER: Wanda,

If the caudex is white it sounds like it is fine, however the cut may be a problem. That needs to dry well before you let it get wet. The softening of the caudex may be because the plant has not been watered and it is drying out. Because of the heat and you not watering it that may be weakening and softening that caudex. I would mix sand, potting soil and perlite and plant it in that once the wound has dried. Then water it whenever the soiil feels dry but do not keep any water in the drain tray. In January stop watering it for 8 weeks and allow it a dormant period. In early to mid March begin watering it again and fertilze it well. You just have to be very careful about not overwatering it. Good luck.  

Darlene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I will let the caudex dry. Since the small cut was above the soil. Can I just leave it as is and just make sure I dont wet the caudex?

Answer
Wanda,

Yes, but if there is no sand in the soil I would put some sand on top of the soil and as you water it that will wash down in. I would get it some water immediately. There is a fine line between enough and too much but if you do not leave any water in a drain tray so it is not sitting in water you will not cross that line. With adenium each time you repot you can pull that bulb a little further out of the soil to reveal it's beauty. That is the most interesting part besides the beautiful flowers. I have a large one that is about 18 inches tall that I bought several years ago in Florida that I love. I am in northern IN in the cold so this plant is very special to me. Good luck.

Darlene