Quick & simple, layman's answer:

Hybrids are developed by cross pollinating two blooms from different plants. If the pollination is successful, a seed pod will grow. The seeds will have the genetic makeup of both parents. In effect, you can have a few that resemble either parent. However, most will have a combination of characteristics of both.

To solidify the whole thing in your mind, think human ... ova, sperm, pregnancy, children ... None will look exactly alike but there will be a resemblance ... sometimes.

You can duplicate the exact same plant by a) grafting or b) rooting cuttings. I don't particularly care for grafting for several reasons. Rooted cuttings will produce the same blooms as the mother plant, are the same age as the mother plant, and will eventually develop a decent sized root system. If you're growing adeniums for the blooms, try cuttings. If the caudex is important to you, I recommend grafting scions of the bloom you like just above the caudex of another plant whose blooms you don't care for.

Maria Elena

Thank you for the explanation! So essentially, I could take my white plant, and purple, and if successful, it might produce a blend or unique mix of the two from the seeds. I was wondering how we could start with basic pink and white in nature, and produce some of the very unique colors that aren't a blend of pink and white like black, orange, blue, yellow, stripes, swirls, etc. it's crazy!

Right!

... and how did the original single pink become a triple peach? I know! A question for the hybridizers. Some of it is years of work stabilizing specific traits, then passing them on. Some traits are a result of viruses, mutations, etc.

By the way, there are no blue adeniums. The closest I've ever seen is a lavender, and I really haven't seen the results of the planted seed yet. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Adenium Obesum "91 KO_Blue Spirit" · More Info

Maria Elena

Ah yes. I've seen people call some "blues" but they may be scamming people. That would be a great color to see!

I agree. Would love to see a steel blue flower that was real!

If you ever see any listings with photos of blue Adeniums, they are photo-shopped ... Do not order from that merchant.