How to germinate adenium seeds?

germinate adenium seeds

How to germinate adenium seeds?

Adenium obesum is a flowering plant in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. It is native to East Africa and Yemen but mostly grown as an ornamental plant in warm regions around the world. It is commonly known as the Desert Rose or Sabi Star (from Saba, an island in Yemen). In this article, we will discuss how to germinate adenium seeds?

How to germinate adenium seeds?

  1. Firstly, you need to obtain the seeds from fresh adenium flowers. In addition, you also need a glass of lukewarm water and a paper towel to clean the seeds by wiping them with a soft cloth.
  2. Next, spread your seeds evenly on your paper towel and cover with another paper towel or a tissue.
  3. Place the seeds under a bright light until you see seedlings. However, there is no need to keep it too close to avoid overheating. Make sure to change the water every day and keep the paper towel moist enough but not soaked in water. You can also spray a little bit of water on top of your seeds as well.
  4. When you see a white root growing from the seeds, then it indicates that the germination is in process. It will be complete when you can see two small leaves grow from each seed (approximately three to four weeks).
  5. Finally, transfer your adenium seedlings into individual pots and keep them watered until the plants are strong enough to be transplanted into the ground.

What is the best time to sow adenium seeds?

You should sow fresh adenium seeds during the cool season. These include fall and winter. It is better to germinate the seeds indoors because you need to control the temperature, humidity, ventilation, light exposure, and other factors which are hard to achieve outdoors. The next step will be planting them in pots or garden outside when weather condition becomes stable and more comfortable.

Best potting mix to grow adeniums

The best potting mix for plant growth contains 50 percent of soil, 25 percent of peat, and 25 percent of sand. A combination of these three components will provide your plants with proper drainage, air circulation, and water holding capacity. As a result, your plants will become stronger and healthier.

Repot adenium

You need to repot the adenium when you see its roots are coming outside of the pot. It is also helpful to repot them in the winter season because it helps to let your plants rest before they grow actively in spring. Repotting the plants during fall season is preferable as well.

It is time to transfer your adeniums into the garden when you feel that there are no more threats of frost and cold weather. Otherwise, it will be better to keep them inside until the air becomes warmer and milder.

Water adenium

It is better to water the adenium when the soil feels dry up to your first knuckle (approximately 1 inch deep). Watering once every one or two weeks is enough during the summer season. However, you also need to provide them with enough humidity and ventilation during cold weather.

Final thoughts,

Adenium is a special kind of plant which can survive in extreme climates. However, you need to provide it with enough warmth and sun exposure to produce vibrant flowers. In addition, you should follow the steps mentioned in this article when growing adenium from seeds. After all, germination is a time-consuming process where seedlings become strong and ready to be planted outside. You may also like to read this article germinating seeds in paper towel in House I love.