Gardening has become one of our favourite hobbies these days and we, at Chang Puak Magazine, would like to introduce you to Adenium Obesum or, as it is better known, the Desert Rose.
Native to southern Africa, the Desert Rose is a very sturdy plant which, over many during decades, only one kind was grown in Thailand. But in the past ten years hybrid specialists have developed so many cultivars that you could easily have 50 of these plants in your garden, with no two alike. The hybrids are also known by their Thai name Chuan Chom.
Their attractive flowers, some of which resemble roses, come with single, double and even triple petals in many different colours and colour combinations. From striking reds to pinks and mauves, their flowers can also be bicoloured such as red-and-white or light pink-anddark pink.
When planted in the ground, Desert Roses can go a long time between watering as their roots seek moisture from the soil. Grown in pots, they should be watered regularly, from once a day to two or three times a week, depending on the size of the plants and the planting medium used.
In order to grow well they require moist, well-drained soil, at least five hours full sunlight per day (preferably in the afternoon) plus warm temperatures. They also need a porous, well-aerated soil with good drainage, such as a combination of finely chopped coconut husk and decomposed rain tree. If there’s acute water deficiency, the plants respond by turning their leaves yellow prematurely.
In Chiang Mai, Desert Roses are very easy to find. Check out Kham Thiang Tree Market, prices should vary from 70 THB to 100 THB. And, even if the rainy season is not the perfect time to see this plant in bloom, it is a good time to bring some home and let them adapt to your place. They will soon become an attractive addition to your garden.