Desert rose plants are gaining popularity among gardeners and plant enthusiasts around the world. Their sculptural forms and vibrant blooms add dramatic beauty to both indoor and outdoor spaces. If you’re looking to add one of these exotic succulents to your own collection you may be wondering – where can I find desert rose plants for sale? Luckily with the right knowledge, these striking plants can be readily found from a variety of sources.
Overview of the Desert Rose Plant
The desert rose plant ( scientific name: Adenium obesum) is a low maintenance succulent native to the arid regions of southwestern Africa. It’s commonly grown as a houseplant or in outdoor gardens across warmer climates. Here are some key features that make this plant so distinctive:
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Produces colorful flowers in shades of red, pink, white, and orange that have a trumpet shape The blooms are showy and last for several weeks.
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Has thick caudices (swollen, fat stems) that can grow up to 6 feet wide in mature plants. The branches are often grown into unique shapes through pruning.
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Drought-tolerant and stores water in its swollen base. Only needs occasional watering.
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Has long, pointed green leaves that are shiny. The leaves cluster toward branch tips.
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Ideal for growing in pots, both indoors and outdoors. Does well in zones 10-12.
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Toxic if ingested so keep away from pets and children.
Where to Find Desert Rose Plants: Online Stores
Purchasing plants online has become a popular option for finding specific varieties that may not be available locally. Many online succulent stores sell desert rose plants and ship across the United States. Here are some top online sources for finding desert roses for sale:
Logee’s
This family-owned nursery has specialized in exotic and tropical plants since 1892. Their desert rose selection includes both common Adenium obesum varieties and more rare types like Adenium Hybrid. All sizes offered from 2-inch starter plants up to fully grown specimens.
Planet Desert
This online succulent store offers the Adenium obesum in multiple sizes ranging from 4-inch pots up to 7-gallon plants. Their desert rose selection includes popular varieties like Red Dragon known for vibrant red blooms. Free shipping on orders over $75.
Mountain Crest Gardens
A California based succulent nursery offering a variety of desert rose caudiciforms and hybrids. They sell both seeds and live plants. The plants range from 1-gallon to 5-gallon pots, depending on size and age.
Succulent Market
This Arizona based company ships desert rose plants across the United States. They carry smaller juvenile plants in 2 or 4 inch pots alongside mature, blooming specimen in larger pots.
Amazon
The mega online retailer Amazon has a wide selection of desert rose plants sold by various nurseries and private sellers. The available varieties, sizes, and prices vary. Look closely at each seller’s ratings and shipping policies before purchasing.
Shopping at Local Nurseries
Visiting local nurseries in your area is another great option for finding desert rose plants in person. The benefit of seeing the plants before purchasing is you can hand select the exact plant you want. Here are some tips for shopping locally:
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Visit nurseries that specialize in succulents and cacti. These will have the best selection. Avoid big box stores.
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Go during spring and summer when most nurseries have new stock arriving.
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Look for plants with established caudices and healthy root systems. Avoid any shriveled or rotting roots.
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Inspect leaves for signs of pests like spots or webs before purchasing.
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Ideally look for plants that are already flowering or have flower buds visible. This is a sign of maturity.
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Ask staff for advice on ideal plants for your climate and growing conditions.
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Be prepared to act quick if you find a perfect plant – unique varieties sell out fast!
Things to Consider When Buying Desert Roses
When searching for desert rose plants for sale either online or locally, keep these important tips in mind:
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Size & Age: The price usually correlates with the plant’s size and maturity. Larger 4-7 gallon plants can cost over $100 while starter plants are $10-20.
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Variety: There are over 120 species and many hybrids. Some popular varieties to look for are Red Dragon, Tiny Tut, Black Ruby, Dwarf Singapore Pink, and Double Reds.
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Climate: Ensure the plant is suitable for growing in your hardiness zone. Desert rose thrives in zones 10-12. Provide indoor growing conditions in cooler climates.
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Seller Reputation: Always buy from reputable sources with good reviews and ratings. Avoid sellers with no verifiable information.
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Shipping: If the plant will be shipped, look for packaging and methods designed for live plants. Opt for quicker shipping methods.
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Health: Inspect plants closely for signs of disease, damage, or pests before purchasing. Avoid plants that look poorly maintained.
Bring the Desert Vibe Home
The sculptural desert rose plant truly stands out for its unique shaped stems, colorful blooms, and exotic vibe. With proper care, these succulents can thrive for many years in your indoor or outdoor space. Following the guidance above on where to buy desert rose plants both online and locally, you’ll be able find the perfect addition to your plant collection or garden in no time. Just be prepared – these beauties tend to become instant favorites among plant lovers!
Desert roses where to buy them in the USA
FAQ
Does Home Depot sell Desert Rose plants?
national PLANT NETWORK Desert Rose Assorted Mix (Adenium) in 4 in. Grower Containers (3-Plants) HD7730 – The Home Depot.
Where is the best place to put a Desert Rose?
It’ll be ideal to place them directly in a South or West-facing window, or utilize a grow light if your space doesn’t provide enough natural lighting. You can place your Desert Rose outdoors during the Spring and Summer months, but be sure to start by placing it in partial shade before introducing full sun.
Do desert roses grow better in pots or ground?
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Drainage:Desert roses are native to arid regions and prefer well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Pots allow for better drainage than planting directly in the ground, especially in areas with clay soil or poor drainage.
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Moisture Control:Pots provide more control over watering, allowing you to avoid overwatering, which can be detrimental to desert roses.
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Temperature Protection:Desert roses are not cold-hardy and can be damaged by frost. Growing them in pots allows you to easily move them indoors during cold weather or to a protected location.
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Soil:Desert roses prefer a sandy, well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent soil mix.
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Light:Desert roses need plenty of sunlight, so choose a location where they will receive ample light, whether indoors or outdoors.
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Fertilizing:Desert roses can be fertilized twice a year, once in March and once in October, if planted in the ground.
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Repotting:Repot desert roses during their active growth period in the warm season, ideally in springtime, to allow the roots to expand and fill their new accommodations.
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Container Size:Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the plant’s rootball and has drainage holes at the bottom.
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Pot Material:Terracotta or clay pots are preferred for their breathability, which helps prevent overwatering.
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Soil Mix:Use a free-draining compost mix with added sharp sand or pumice to fill the pot, leaving enough room for the plant’s roots.
Is a Desert Rose a cactus or succulent?
The desert rose plant (Adenium obesum) is a succulent plant known for its cacti-like swollen trunk (or caudex), bright green leaves, and vibrant, often pink, red, or white, flowers. The plant’s small but robust stature is reminiscent of a bonsai plant, so many hobbyists enjoy keeping it as an indoor plant.