Update
These Arabicum x Crispum were planted July 1.




Jan. 14, 2016

Here they are 6.5 mos. later in 6" pots. They are quite small compared to A. obesums at this age. The seeds were given to me by @RCanada.

Rick, is this slow growth normal for this variety?

Looking good Kadie. They do look small, but than again I do not have a clue what the size should be.

Thanks, Willeke. I like the smooth grey color of the caudex. I guess my expectations were high...thinking they would grow fat faster than obesums in my climate.

Well you see never get to high expectations. Not good. Still looking nice though.

Maybe I need to shake 'em up a bit to let them know I am disappointed, and to threaten them as to what might happen if they don't shape up.

Kadie,
Here is a photo of a few of mine. Not as lush since bringing inside this fall.
These are growing at about the same rate as the obesum here, but they are fatter than the obesums at an earlier age.
In 4" pots.






I sent a few seeds to a couple other people and one in particular has had one bloom this summer at such an early age.

The longer I grow these Adeniums, the more I realize that acquiring good seed ( from reputable source) is so important. The percentage of getting plants that have the characteristics of pod/pollen parents are low, but much greater with that of good hybridization practices.
Finding them can be the trick and always the concern that "they are what is described" will be a factor.

I think your trees are looking really good. Nice caudex on them. I would not worry about the height. Not what you want.
I also do not think that your climate has much to do with it, just the genetics of the seed.

As much as you hear about " How you live in an ideal climate" for growing these. It is true, but only because I cannot grow outside all year round.
The seed is going to grow the way it is genetically destined to. No ones climate is going to change this.
If I lived in your climate. I may be able to start them, but I know that it would be a whole new learning curve for myself in continuing their growth. I do not delude myself thinking that just because of where you reside, does not have it's pitfalls.

Rick

Okay then, I won't assume that all arabicum x crispum are slow growers just because these two (my only a x c) appear to be. Thanks for reminding me about genetics. Their predisposition/genetics is certainly a factor. If I had more to compare with then I could say for certain that they are slow-growing in my climate. I have several somalense seedlings growing and am eager to discover their potentials.

RCanada said:As much as you hear about " How you live in an ideal climate" for growing these. It is true, but only because I cannot grow outside all year round. The seed is going to grow the way it is genetically destined to. No ones climate is going to change this.
If I lived in your climate. I may be able to start them, but I know that it would be a whole new learning curve for myself in continuing their growth. I do not delude myself thinking that just because of where you reside, does not have it's pitfalls.
Rick

Yes, while it is true that I have an ideal climate in that I can grow my adeniums outdoors year-round, I also have been relating that we have our ups and downs regards weather conditions; particularly frequent tropical storms of late, and the heat and rains during our summers.

RCanada said:



Rick

Your trees are looking real good, Rick! Like mine, they have a tapered base. I like that...looks more of a tree form.

Yes, I am enjoying these. They are all quite different, even the few obesum x crispum's, with white veining & long tapered leaves.
A different one I have Arabicum Dwarf Soodah has the most remarkable fuzzy leaves. Feels like a perennial that grows here Stachys Byzantine (Lambs Ear). The leaves are like velvet on underside.
Supposedly this is typical with Arabicums.
Rick

My arabicum "Soodah" are nearly 7 mos. old. This one is the biggest so far...up-potted yesterday into an 8" panterra bowl. I did not wash out the old soil...simply planted the root ball into the pan and added fresh media. Two others that I had transplanted after washing off the old soil over two months ago are taking a long time to recover.




I named him RiC.
@RCanada

Looking good. Nice fatties.

That's a beauty, KD. None of mine have anything like that caudex you show.

Very nice looking tree, Kadie. Has really nice branching and should take off in that bowl. Has lots of room to widen.
Funny you mention not washing off the soil. I received seeds from Dino of Thailand and questioned him about seedlings, when to transplant, etc. the one statement he made was to leave some soil on when transplanting.
Looking forward to seeing this ones progress.
Rick

KD .... Mine looks horrible. But still alive. No seeds up yet.

David, your adenium that you had to treat for caudex rot will take time to ...(I forget the term for "healing over" of the cut). As far as the seeds germinating...it would be most helpful if the media they are in could be maintained at temperatures of between 75 and 85F, besides having a clear dome cover to maintain humidity until they sprout.

Rainbow said:David, your adenium that you had to treat for caudex rot will take time to ...(I forget the term for "healing over" of the cut). As far as the seeds germinating...it would be most helpful if the media they are in could be maintained at temperatures of between 75 and 85F, besides having a clear dome cover to maintain humidity until they sprout.

I think you mean 'callous'

Thanks...the word callous was on the tip of my tongue.

Plumeria must be allowed to callous well before rooting a cutting. Otherwise, all you'll get is a rotted cutting. Generally, I allow my plumeria cuttings a minimum of a week to callous before rooting a tip. Does the same thing hold true for adenimum?

Not necessarily so, Ken. I have planted cuttings after callousing over a few days, as well as planting immediately after dipping in rooting hormone powder. Both methods work fine for older, thicker adenium stems.

I may have asked that question before, KD, and if so, I apologize. I should have stayed away from the computer when I was on narcs. My mind is clear again and I am going to try to put together a few boxes of plants to ship tomorrow. My wife promises to help and in fact, that's the only way she'll allow me to prepare, package, and box anything at all. If I don't get some boxes out tomorrow and Tuesday, it looks like it will be three weeks before another window of opportunity arises.