I've had my adenium for 11 years. Last summer it had gotten large and blocked the drainage holes in its pot. I discovered it was mushy on the bottom as I prepared to repot it. In October I tried to cut off the mushy parts. Then in November I cut it again. In January I had to whittle on it some more. All of the parts have healed except the ones in the pictures. I've been putting ceylon cinnamon each time on it, but a week ago yesterday, when the last surgery was performed, I didn't and I see mold starting to grow (see picture). I'm worried about the moist areas. Thank you in advance. What do I need to do next?

Sorry to see those rotting parts. Nothing much to do for it other than keep it hanging, not in any medium for now to continue to dry out some more till all areas calluses harder and kept in a warm, dry area. I would just continue to apply cinnamon there as well. You have already removed infected parts, so now it is just a matter of patiently waiting.

Whereabouts is your growing location? If you are here in the US, it is still okay if it is now doing anything, it is cold season, typical dormant time for it, so got to wait patiently for it to further heal and callus.

Thank you for your response. I'm in the Fort Worth area of Texas. It hasn't had any water to speak of since October. I rinsed the cinnamon off to inspect and the buds opened in Dec. It bloomed for a few weeks. In the picture with the mold, the whole rounded part is very soft. Should I remove it?

With Adeniums blooming does not really mean it is awake. It can still be dormant. Needs to show new leaf formation to truly say it is awake. It may hold on to last season's leaves, but if there is no new growth as well, it is dormant. Or it can drop everything and just be bare.

Yes, I think you can still remove that very soft part till you reach good tissue, and then apply cinnamon once more and keep it dry, no media for now. Got to let that part heal and harden.

My Adenium is dormant right now, have not given it water since December. Just hiding indoors patiently in a south facing room. It really taught me to be very patient and not rush it to waking up. It will do so on its own sweet time by mid Spring.

Thank you soooo much! I really appreciate your advice. I'll do exactly what you advised. Thanks again!

Wishing you good luck! Hope it does recover soon! It just takes awhile longer due to the winter season.

I find each growing season so different these past few years. Last year it took almost till June before my Adeniums woke up from its slumber. But once awake with the dry and hot conditions it likes, new growth was fast and got the blooms in July.

I normally don't withhold water and let it go dormant. It has foliage and blooms year round. This past fall though, with the problems, it's gone dormant. Again, thanks for your help. I've made the cuts, put cinnamon on it, and now the waiting begins...

The "moisture" that is feeding the mold is from the caudex .... the caudex is the plants storage reservoir

As long as the cut moist fleshy areas are exposed, the loss of moisture will continue - until the cut areas heal or harden over

Might try hydrogen peroxide

First - if you have a bottle of hydrogen peroxide .... confirm the label (active ingredient) is either 3% or 9% hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide for Root Rot -

- As a Plant Dip -

You will Need:

pail, bucket or container - (at least 1 gallon capacity)
measuring cup
water

mix 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to 1 gallon water -
(or - mix 2-1/2 cups hydrogen peroxide to 5 gallons water -)

dip as much of plant into bucket as possible - repeat every few days -
allow caudex to dry out between dips


Hydrogen Peroxide for Mold & Fungus -

- As a Plant Spray -

You will Need:

spray bottle - (at least 2 Pints)
tablespoon
water

mix 5 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide to 1 pint water -
spray entire plant once a day - until mold / fungus is gone -

continue spraying, every other day or so to keep the mold / fungus from returning


Store any leftover mixed Hydrogen Peroxide in a cool dark place