Steffen, Planting the seedlings deeper will cause issues with rotting of the caudex. Unless the soil was washed away, you are best not to add more to make then look as though they are planted deeper.

The only possibility would be to add a very thin layer of coarse grit on top of soil.

Rick

Hello Steffen,

The best practice is never to bury an adenium deeper than its natural soil line, which is where the plant normally has its surface feeders, small exposed roots along the perimeter of the trunk. If you uproot any adenium that has not previously been raised, no matter what age, the major portion of the caudex is below the soil line, where it does its maximum growing.

Adenium Obesum NOID "RG" - Double pink & white · More Info

The caudex is usually left below ground at least 3 years (full plant maturity). After that, it can be raised an inch at a time once a year during spring repotting. The caudex needs to be acclimated to sunlight slowly. Raising too much of the caudex at once can create problems, primarily with sunburn.

Maria Elena

Thanks for the input.

Well, I guess I am a bit cornered here.

All of mine are seed grown by me. I have been a bit sloppy in my care since most of the seedlings caudexes have been above the soil line. I havn't botherd with this, until now. I see that I shouldn't lower them and at the same time I wish more of them were deeper.

Does the caudex develop more rapidy If a larger portion is under the soil line?

I won't lower them, just keep them at their current level and let them do their own thing under the soil.

Steffen,

All mine are seed grown, too. I don't know what you mean by "sloppy." If you don't mind, would you show us a picture of the ones that concern you?

A "soil line" is natural, not something you control. It's where the original seed germinates and stands up. Please share a picture so we can understand what you mean.

Maria Elena

Here's an example.

Hm! Looks like it's leaning a little and it's up high on the surface. So you are correct! That's the root showing and you'll want to cover that. You can cover the yellow or super light green on ALL your seedlings because they appear to be missing soil. It's possible the soil was very loose, not compacted or tapped down sufficiently prior to sowing the seeds. You've caught it in time so it's easily corrected.

How old is this particular seedling? Can you uproot it to show whether it's growing into a cascade? Once you straighten it in the soil, it may correct itself.

Cascaded plants can be very attractive in bonsai, leaning to one side. Maybe you want to let it grow just like that ... Your decision. But cover the root area so they can develop.

Maria Elena

Steffen, I agree with Rick & Maria Elena, it's not a good idea to plant your seedlings deeper. From what I can see your seedlings look absolutely fine & completely healthy. I would not worry about them. Your seedling has just thrown out a side root, closer to the top of the soil to help keep it stable. The one in the last photo, in the front, just appears to have taken on a bit of a lean & the root on the side is part of the appeal. The side root will still thicken as well as any under the soil line & in fact, in my opinion, will add to the character of your plant. I have had seedlings like this, and they have turned out to be some of my favourites. Here's an old photo of one of mine that grew like yours (also grown from seed) to show you what it can look like when larger. Each year the roots on the side grew bigger & were slowly exposed at each repot to create a natural bonsai style. I hope you can see what I mean.

Just don't rush this process, it will happen in its own time.

Hi Rachel your plants look lovely and I just love their Minder .

Maria

Steffen, forgot to add this - as Maria Elena said, I would just recover that root that you exposed with the top dressing, as you had it in the first photo. It will protect it from any sunburn & allow it to thicken easier.

Marialeal, giggle. He keeps an eye on my plants when I'm not there. Rachel :D

Thanks for helping.

Ok, got it. No lowering and keep everything covered from tan line and below.

My main concern is whether or not the extremly little portion under the soil line would cause slower growth of the caudex than If say 1/2 is burried.

Is this the case with caudex growth?

2 of my seedlings have naturaly grown in cascade style since germination. I would be glad If they turned out like yours Rachel. Very nice.

Hi Steffen, in my opinion I don't think it will make much difference to the growth of the caudex. If your plant is secure in the soil (not wobbly) then the roots will still deliver the nutrients to your plant that is needed for caudex growth. The right nutrients, sunlight and genetics all have a part in how well your caudex will grow. Rachel :)

Not bad!

However I am pretty sure mine never ever will.