Adeniums do not need special handling. But don't eat them ! They can flower for over 10 months in a year, they do exude a toxic sap when cut but it is not dangerous. Just use plain common sense and wash your hands after pruning them. Using gloves is definitely not needed !

David in Venezuela
Owner of the Yahoo Adenium Group (over 3,400 members)

Jack,

Adeniums are definitely toxic, but no more than most plants with milky sap! Plumerias, euphorbias and poinsettias are all toxic and we grow these in large numbers with no problems. I'm severely allergic to poison ivy, sumac and brazilian pepper tree but have no problem with DRs or brugmansias. Just use common sense; don't touch your face (eyes) wash your hands and tools.
If I ever attempt grafting adenium most likely I will use gloves with my history of allergies, and will recommend doing so to all people with dermatitis.
I would make sure thou, that no toddlers or animals with history of plant eating have access to these plants!

Aggie

Aggie, you give very good advice.
Marie

is adenium arabicum toxic too ?

Thanks for the advice bc i was mulching and then potted my desert rose…then i panicked bc my hands were red (as was the mulch i was laying prior). so i rinsed thoroughly, red gone but of course i still had to google how dangerous it was bc i touched directly.