Frustrated!! Please advise...

9 years ago

I've just about given up trying to grow an Adenium. Every spring I order one or two. They grow beautifully for me all summer, but getting them through the winter is always the issue. I keep them dry, I keep them watered, I keep them warm, I keep them cool. Nothing seems to make them happy. About a month ago the stems on this one began to die back. It looks more like a dry rot... Not slimy. I just left it alone to see how it would progress. Today I noticed the stems had shriveled back almost to the caudex. I clipped it down to clean tissue but that left very little up top. Is there hope for this guy? Will I get new growth from the caudex or is this a lost cause. By the way... The caudex is nice and firm. No rot or decay there.

Featured Answer

rcharles_gw (Canada)

9 years ago

Scott, I can understand your frustration. This dying back, brown/wrinkled, sometimes firm, sometimes soft. If I ever see this, I cut it back to clear white tissue (always sterilizing w alcohol for each cut) and watch to see if it where to continue.

This has been an issue w many growing these and it could be an issue of to moist or lack of water. I realize this does not help, but you are not alone with this occurance. Keeping them dry/warm is important, but if they get parched, then they can deteriate and fine feeder roots atrophy. Soil mix plays a big factor so that the soil drys back quickly.

it is a fine balance and you will get to this, but it is always tuff to take when you lose one or have to do what you are doing.

From what the photo shows, the plant looks good. Hopefully you will get some new growth above the "V" graft. It should be fine as long as the roots are in good order.

Rick

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Comments (7)

eeyore94sooregon
9 years ago
I'm sorry! I feel you! I just lost one today. That makes 2 this winter. I have a hard time with winters also. Hopefully someone will chime in soon.

Rick has a great watering system, which I started too late for mine. Hopefully he'll see this thread and suggest.
scott_madison Zone 5a- Madison, WI thanked eeyore94sooregon
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scott_madison Zone 5a- Madison, WI
Original Author
9 years ago
I work at a greenhouse and we have a "propagation hut".... Sort of a greenhouse within the greenhouse... Where we start seeds and cuttings. The temperature hovers around 80 degrees or so during the days... About 70 at nite. Was thinking of taking this Adenium in and see if it responds to the warmth. All winter I've had it in my basement under lights... And the temp in my basement stays about 50 degrees or so. Great for storing rhizomes and bulbs and my overwintering pelargoniums.... Probably not so good for Adeniums.
Elena
9 years ago
Such a great winter solution Scott! I'm sure your plant will love it!
eeyore94sooregon
9 years ago
I'd have to say the 50° temps in the basement are not the best. Hopefully the more experienced will comment on that as well. Mine are in the house with temps between 63° and 68°. I'm sure it would love going to work with you!
jedobaTX9b
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I would agree about temps. If you ask me, that probably has more to do with this rot than any other factor. They do not like anything cooler than 65-70 (like me!!)

Looking at these pictures, I am concerned if enough of the plant was removed..

Watch it carefully!!
eeyore94sooregon
9 years ago
Scott, since you have very few, are you not able to bring it/them into the house, where your temps would be warmer then the basement?