Lisa, this is a really nice mature plant. Too bad you have to repot, I hope it isn't overly stressful on your blooms. The rocks in the bottom is really not helpful, as it only restricts the growth space for your roots. I would recommend getting a pot that is somewhat short but larger around than the existing. I love the pot that Tony Low used when repotting his arabicum here: cool pot . Also if it were my plant I would raise it and expose the caudex. However, if the Bonsai style isn't aligned with your tastes, look for something that strikes you as perfect.

As for media, I recommend searching around in the archives, there are a number of recipes for gritty mix available. I personally use coco coir pieces mixed with perlite, floor dry, and chicken grit for my larger plants. Sometimes I add pumice if I have it available. But everyone's climates are different so you have to experiment to figure out what exactly works best for you. There are some great suggestions on this forum as we have discussed this in great lengths in recent history, which will give you a broader perspective on what is available.

Tracy

P. S. If you decide to prune, check for grafts first. I hacked off a graft the other day without knowing till it was too late.

Thanks Tracy. I would love to find that perfect pot. My aunt in Texas had one like this that she had in a bonsai type shallow pot sitting on top of a birdbath. It was so cool looking I would sorta like to copy her concept. And I have the heavy stone birdbath already. I'm just kinda chicken about the pruning part. I would really to have it somewhat shorter. I still have alot of time before it even gets cool here. Seldom ever gets below 50 degrees because I'm so close to the ocean. (Cape Canaveral, Fl) No grafts, I remember when it was small! And how on earth could you possibly trim a limb that is as thick as the thick end of a baseball bat!?! Thanks again Tracy!

Here's a pot that I've had my eye on at Eastern Leaf: I will buy it eventually

I don't think it will be big enough for this plant. You need to measure the width of the pot and then add probably 4 inches at a minimum. Then start looking for pots around that size. I know Florida has some great resources for pots, I just visited earlier this month. Once you have it secured in a new pot then you can evaluate for pruning. That is, if you are willing to sacrifice the blooms. Tough decision.

Tracy

Think that's where I will start. First comes the pot. Going shopping tomorrow. Bet Pier One Imports may just be the place I need....

Hi Lisa,

Nice to visit with you on your own post. Tracy gave very good advice!

I laughed when I read this part of your comment: "I'm just kinda chicken about the pruning part." A lot of people are afraid to test the waters in the beginning, but after that first nerve-wracking incision, the rest will come off smoothly. Please do have a vision of the end result you'd like to achieve; this will help guide you with the pruning. Look at some images of adeniums on the internet to get ideas.

Happy growing!

-Kadie

Kadie, I was surprised today when I started looking around. Got several huge caudexs and alot of work to be done. Still don't know how to cut through the huge limbs! I'm excited to be creative though. I have a picture in my mind, I just need to get there! Ha!

On my old Bilibong I used a lopper.

Lisa, I am sure you are in for a surprise to see the caudex whenever you ready for repot.

Please post pictures to let us see before and after...and report back after it leaves out.

Marie

Tracy, that's where I started out all wrong. I just got a straight up bag of your every day potting soil. When I separated them I used the cactus mix. I'm growing plumeria seedlings also and that really doesn't work for them either. Fingers crossed that today I find a pot big enough to handle that crazy adenium, and when I pull it from that disintegrated pot I will post a picture of what that caudex really looks like! As I look around my yard I am quickly realizing I have several begging for attention, and alot more work to do!

And Marie, I will definitely post my progress, thanks!

Found this pot at my neighbors. He said I could have it. Can't believe it had a stand too!!! I think with a little love and work, it may be perfect. The plant is so heavy I don't think I could put in in anything smaller. The pot is nine inches tall and eighteen inches across. As best as I could measure the caudex, the part where the plant touches the dirt was about 23 inches. So what do you think?

This pot does look perfect, you really lucked out Lisa. What do you plan to do for the soil?

Tracy

I went to six different stores and two nurseries and couldn't find anything! What a great neighbor! Maybe coco coir? And some perlite? Wasn't sure. Would welcome suggestions.

Wow..... it wouldn't quite fit down into a five gallon bucket.

Cool caudex! coco coir and perlite will work as long as it can dry fast enough. I use the coco pieces that are bigger than coir, but smaller than coco chunks for my older plants. I mix it in with several different gritty materials, including course perlite (I sift the crushed powder out because it will clog up your mix and prevent it from draining properly). Hopefully some of the other members will chime in so you can get a broad base of opinions.

Tracy

That planter is very heavy so I figured that would work in my favor. I read where I need to dehydrate the roots so that I can move them to help stabilize the plant. Afterwards I plan on really giving it a pruning job.