Congrats Kadie. Very nice. I hope you get nice babies out of it.

Congrats.

Regards grafted adeniums...

Initially, the vigor of the seedling root stock gives very healthy growth to the scions. But eventually the scion takes over and this impedes caudex growth. The caudex may still fatten up a little over time, but not appreciably so.


I bought these two grafted adeniums locally. It is apparent that the previous owners had lifted the caudex and exposed the roots...not very attractive. I had transplanted them into panterra bowls but planted at the same soil depth they were in. I was concerned that if I covered the roots (after being exposed for years) it would cause a problem for the plants.

Oh-oh! After staring at the skinny caudexes, I'm wondering now whether the scions were grafted unto rooted cuttings instead of seedling root stocks. I read somewhere that this is sometimes done when there are no seedling root stocks available.


Anyway, here is a picture of grafted adeniums that I purchased from Taiwan last year. These are definitely seedling root stocks.



And here's a picture of one of the grafted trees. As you can see, there is very little fattening of the caudex after 7 months...but the scion has grown vigorously.

Hmmm... Interesting.

I'm not a very good mommy of these seedlings. Only 3 survived out of 10 seedlings I had and the 3 are so stunted that they are only 2 inches tall

My seedlings are small but vigorous. Two varieties from seeds ordered from Thailand. They've been thriving in paper pots in trays with tomato and other seedlings but will have to transplant soon because pots are degrading. I have about 20 and am looking for pretty but inexpensive pots since most will be giveaways for Christmas. Bought a cute little bonsai dish for $6 at local nursery I think ill just keep looking and grabbing up dishes when i see them on sale But maybe the seedlings need to go into a transition pot, any advice about next step? They have about 6 leaves and are an inch or so tall.

@SCButtercup
When my seedlings have developed 5 to 6 true leaves is the time I transplant into their own pots.

Judy, good that you have them in paper pots...then you can peel off the cups leaving the root balls intact. The seedlings won't have too much shock and interrupted growth. If you want to have flowers as early as could be possible, then do not cut tap roots or otherwise mess with the roots. Plant in a 4 inch plastic pot with good drainage. I'm sure you already know about the importance of growing in a well-aerated soil-less medium so I won't go into it here.

Happy gardening!

Oopps! Mine are in soil mixed with perlite :blushing:, maybe that's why they are not as happy!

I have always had my two in a cactus palm and citrus mix soil mixed with perlite. It's about 3/4th soil and 1/4 perlite, maybe a little more perlite than that, but less than half and half. Mine have always bloomed and are perfectly content. The cactus mix already has perlite mixed in, as well as sand, and other well draining materials. Just make sure it is super well draining and aerated, and they'll be fine. Definitely steer away from regular potting mixes unless you are going to mix a good 3/4th or more perlite to 1/4th soil.

James, mine are growing in full sun and I did put them on potting soil with perlite. They are blooming good but not as great as Kadie's.

Gigi, your flowers are beautiful! I post pictures of only those adeniums that are flushing very nicely. Most of my other ones are, eh, so-so!

Kadie. I think I will have a double that will open soon but there are pesky yellow tiny bugs snacking on the buds.

These 2 are a lil test to see if I have a good mix going . It's pea rocks at bottom bout inch or half, pro mix, perlite, and black gold moist which has quit a few ingredients and I only used a little bit of this I also added a little extra worm casting just a little because it's also In the black gold, I broke a few sucker roots on there way outta the trays and I got some super thrive and added it. I did grab lava rocks for next batch and I'm waiting on my coco chunks to come still also

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This is what the others look like I had to add more soil at one point so I got to see the are rooting very well. I'm repotting in May I'm waiting for it to warm up

Then this lil baby already branching so I must have snipped it by accident at some point.

Of the twenty of so (little) plants I have grown from seed (they are now about 9 mo. old), 3-4 have branched. I did not snip them, they simply branched on their own.

Hi I know how pics are helpful but can't right now. I got a Obesum that is grafted. It came with rotten leaves on the end of the branches. The tips of the branches are firmer today but black. I wrote the seller and he would give me back my money. But If I cut off the black part I think it might be fine. As I said the ends have firmed back up. Any thoughts

crystalview,
I would keep the lines of communication open between yourself and the seller.
Did the seller send the plant with leaves on it and bare root?
Generally, if I get bare root plants. I would not prune them until starting into full growth.
With your plant, it would probably be best to prune off the black tips until you see clear off white tissue with no beige areas. It will not hurt it, but you need to remove any rotting tissue.
Make sure that each cut is made with alcohol cleaned knife. Sap is caustic, so where gloves as a precaution.
If the terminal growth points at ends of branches are dry and black, the new growth will not come from these points.
Rick

Thanks Rick
The plant came bareroot with leaves. It had a lot of leaves that melted and still has other full leaves. The black area is firm now but I will feel better as you say cutting it off.

My "baby" is doing extremely well this spring. The nursery that I got it from had way over-watered it and it was on the verge of illness I've had it for about 8 months, almost 9. I trimmed it up after it dropped it's leaves (very sad leaves) and it has bounced back full strength this Spring. It seems to be fully enjoying it's new medium and watering schedule. The caudex is ever so slowly looking better and better. I'm hoping I can get it back in good enough health to expand the caudex, with time. Does anyone else feel the need to rescue sad plants from stores and nurseries when they find them? I just can't bring myself to NOT adopt them and give them a chance. lol.

If I could find some sad Adenium's for sure. I can't find any local.
Nice blooms hope mine are similar.
My tree is in a small pot with the width from the base to the pot about 3" and about 4" deep. I will want more branching (more flowers) so cutting it back should not ruin the form.