How to Make a Bonsai Forest With Desert Rose Plants

The desert rose, or Adenium obesum, is native to the semi-arid areas of Saharan Africa, and blooms through the summer. This succulent plant produces bright green foliage, blooms in a rainbow of colors, and thrives in both potted and in-ground situations. The plant maintains relatively compact growth with a height of 4 to 6 feet and restricts its growth even more with small pots and pruning. Plant multiple desert rose plants in pots and set them close together to build your own miniature Bonsai forest in the garden.

5-gallon pots (ceramic or clay)
Sand
Topsoil/garden loam
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Plant desert rose plants in spring for quick establishment. Use wide 5-gallon clay or ceramic pots with drainage holes to give the plants drainage and space. These pots will also bind the roots somewhat to keep the plants small.
- 2
  Fill the pots three-quarters full with a mixture of 3 parts sand to 1 part topsoil or garden loam. Desert rose plants require sandy, quick-draining soil and do best in a soil mixture close to their native desert foundations.
- 3
  Plant the desert rose seedlings, seeds or cuttings 1 to 2 inches below soil level. Seeds do not germinate reliably but do produce the best plants. Place the seedlings, cuttings or seeds at the centers of the pots to give the plants room to grow their large bases.
- 4
  Put the desert rose jungle in an outdoor site with full sunshine all day. The plants fail in shade and cool temperatures. Set the pots side-by-side for close growing and coverage, and leave pathways through the forest for walking.
- 5
  Water the desert rose plants with 2 inches of water every week, but always allow the soil to dry before watering again. The plants do not do well with sitting water or muddy soil. Feed the plants with complete water-soluble fertilizer in spring, at two-week intervals. Feed the plants with granular palm tree fertilizer in summer and again in fall. Do not fertilize the plants during the winter season.

How to Make Bamboo Curly or Shapely

What Does Gaiac Wood Smell Like?

Specialty Gardens