I feed my adeniums soluble fertilizer comprised mostly of minor elements once every four weeks or so.
My preferred soil mix is organic, but with perlite added for aeration. As the soil microbes break down the nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and minor elements in the fresh organic soil these nutrients are slowly released and taken up by the plant roots. And each time I transplant or up-pot, I incorporate a granular 10-20-20 fertilizer with the fresh mix to give the roots a boost until the microbes begin their work. My plants grow outside year-round and get their water from occasional rains.
In an organic soil, decaying of humus does occur due to microbial activity. But this action does not compact the media if plenty of perlite or other grit is incorporated. In fact, the decay of soil creates air pockets…roots will not suffocate.
