How Adeniums Bloom

Sunlight

• Adeniums require full sunlight to successfully complete their blooming cycle. According to the University of Florida Extension, adeniums grown in inadequate sunlight may become leggy and produce fewer flowers, and are also more susceptible to botanical diseases. To ensure that your adeniums bloom, and bloom prolifically, plant or position them where they receive at least six, but preferably eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Adeniums prefer sites that get their direct sunlight in the early morning and afternoon, rather than the late afternoon or early evening.

Soil Preference and Irrigation

• Adeniums prefer coarse, loose, well-draining soil or growing medium that is similar to the kind used to cultivate orchids. Work 3 inches composted pine bark, 2 inches coarse horticultural sand and 1 inch perlite into the soil in your garden bed. If growing your adeniums in a container, combine 3 parts peat moss, 2 parts composed pine bark, 1 part perlite and 1 part coarse horticultural sand to create a loose, well-draining growing medium. Plant adeniums at the same depth they were growing in their nursery containers. Water your adeniums two to three times per week while the plants are actively growing and blooming to keep the soil or growing medium evenly moistened.

Temperature and Humidity

• Adeniums grow and bloom best in daytime temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees F. If adeniums are exposed to temperatures above 100 degrees F they may fail to bloom; prolonged exposure to temperatures 50 degrees or below may induce dormancy or even kill your plant. Adeniums perform best in locations with high humidity; if you live in a dry climate, consider growing adeniums under a plastic tarp to increase the humidity around your tropical flowering plants.

Fertilization

• Adeniums need a steady stream of nutrients to bloom profusely in the spring and fall. The University of Florida Extension recommends fertilizing adeniums with a balanced, water-soluble garden fertilizer every two weeks in the spring. Apply a slow-release palm fertilizer in the early summer and again in the early fall. For best results, apply all fertilizer products according to the application instructions on the packaging.