Oleg Georgievskiy 04/25/2011

Photos by Oleg Kovalev and Vladimir Khegetyan

Adenium Mini Size comparatively new variety adeniums and among the huge variety of adeniums of other varieties, of course, it is quite rare. At first unnoticed among the handsome giants, now Mini Size adeniums are becoming increasingly popular among amateurs.

Adenium Mini Size Sunup Star, age - 3.5 years.

Adenium Mini Size- a real genetic dwarf. There are currently four varieties of Mini Size adenium.

Adenium Mini Size Sunup Star with white pink flowers can be considered the founder of this series. It received its name – “Morning Star” a little later, when other varieties of this dwarf appeared.

Adenium Mini Size Pink- variety with pink flowers.

Adenium Mini Size Red- variety with red flowers.

Adenium Mini Size White– a new variety with white flowers. Currently the rarest of the Mini Size adeniums. According to information from the manufacturer of these adenium varieties, sufficient genetic resistance This variety is propagated by seed and therefore the seeds are sold in very limited quantities.

The germination of seeds of these adenium varieties is quite unpredictable even with fresh seeds, because some of the seeds are not viable immediately after collection (due to their underdevelopment). Therefore, seed germination of 60-70% can be considered good for this variety. According to information from the manufacturer of adeniums, in order to increase germination, Mini Size adeniums are pollinated with pollen from ordinary adeniums, but then the yield of minis is no more than 30%, the rest are ordinary large-size ones. If you pollinate mini on mini, germination will deteriorate. And indeed, when sowing relatively large quantities of Mini adenium seeds, ordinary adeniums and semi-dwarfs can also grow from the seeds. However, I think the seed producer is playing it safe in this case - the repeatability of the variety from seeds is very high.

Perhaps it is precisely because of cross-pollination with other varieties of adeniums that the varietal characteristics of mini adeniums are not entirely stable in color and flower shape, and lovers can get flowers that are quite original and unusual for this variety.

Adenium seedlings Mini Size.

The seeds of adeniums of this variety usually germinate later than the seeds of ordinary adeniums. Moreover, it is quite normal if Mini adenium seeds sprouted 2-3 weeks after sowing (which, in general, is not typical for adenium seeds), although germination is quite possible after 4-5 days.

Adenium Mini Size is a dwarf tree in a pot. Adeniums of this variety grow very slowly. It will take approximately 3-5 years for your adenium to become a truly dwarf tree in a pot. By this age, the plant grows to a height of only 12-17 cm and even without flowers looks very decorative.

Mini adeniums, unlike their larger counterparts, begin to branch very early - usually from 3-8 months. Crown formation is not required, except in cases where it is necessary to change the direction of growth of plant branches.

Typically, Mini Size adeniums begin to bloom at the age of 2-3 years. However, it is not uncommon for adeniums of this variety to bloom (or try to bloom by forming buds, but then dropping them) even at the age of one year. The diameter of the flower is 5-7 cm. Depending on the conditions, the flower stays on the plant for 5-12 days.

An adult plant can bloom continuously all year round. Even winter maintenance with limited watering and a lack of light and heat, although it limits flowering, is often not able to stop it completely.

In general, caring for Mini Size adeniums is not particularly different from caring for other varieties of Adenium obese. However, the relatively small caudex and the large total surface of the leaves that evaporate moisture require more balanced watering. I would also not recommend keeping mini adeniums dry in winter with falling leaves and very infrequent watering, especially if this leads to significant softening of the caudex. Lack of watering for 3 weeks in winter led to almost complete loss of foliage and softening of the caudex in my 4-year-old mini adenium. As a result, the plant took a very long and painful time to recover from this state, had difficulty growing new foliage and stopped flowering for almost 8 months.

Growing this variety of adenium from seeds is an interesting and exciting activity for flower lovers, causing a large number of positive emotions. In addition, this plant is ideal for our small window sills.

Adenium Mini (Mini Size) is a dwarf succulent branching tree with a wide caudex, blooming in the 2nd year of life. The plant is of exceptional interest for breeding due to the instability of varietal characteristics in flower shape and color.

Mini Size is stunningly decorative. This dwarf bush, growing up to 17 cm in height, blooms all year round. A bright flower, similar to a rosebud, reaches 7 cm in diameter.

Types of Adenium Mini

From the original variety “Morning Star” (Sunup Star) all other varieties of Adenium Mini Size are obtained:

  • White - new, most unstable and beautiful variety with absolutely white flowers;
  • pink (Pink) - the petals are painted in shades of pink;
  • red - a corolla of rich scarlet color with a dark border.

white

On all Minis, several buds can bloom at the same time, covering the bush with a cap of flowers. It is better to propagate by seeds or grafting.

Caring for Mini Size

The plant needs sun to abundant flowering. In mid-latitudes, backlighting may be required even on south-facing windows. The soil should be loose. You can use a mixture for cacti with the addition of agroperlite and vermiculite (up to 30% of the volume).

The flower may appear directly from the caudex. Minis bloom at different ages; the first buds can appear even on annual specimens, but most often the plant immediately sheds them.

In an adult Mini flower, the flower lasts up to 12 days. Improper care leads to the cessation of flowering.

Care errors

  • Over-drying is a common mistake that causes leaf drop and prolonged dormancy;
  • the earthen ball does not dry out from watering to watering;
  • planting several seedlings together, close planting - for flowering you need a powerful root system, a wide pot;
  • dry keeping in winter.

Growing from seeds

Seeds are planted all year round, but it is best to do this in April. As a ready-made greenhouse for growing Adenium Mini, plastic packaging for cakes is taken from the seeds.

The soil mixture is poured in a thin layer, the humidity is adjusted by airing 2-3 times a day. Water by spraying; overwatering can cause rotting.

Use a match to make shallow grooves and place seeds in them without covering them with soil or burying them in the soil. Germination temperature is approximately +30±3 o C, shoots appear after a week.

Seedlings do not need to be fertilized until 2 months after germination. Subsequently, they are seated and fed with fertilizer for cacti.


small ones, bright flowers decorating the window sills of city apartments and country houses Mini adeniums are charming little branching trees with a wide caudex at the base and leaves that resemble bright green glossy paper. They are compact and fit perfectly into the interior of any home, filling it with an atmosphere of harmony, comfort and tranquility. If their care is organized correctly, at home mini adeniums bloom in the second year of life and delight their owner with long and delightful flowering.

To learn more about these amazing flowers, which occupy a special place among all adeniums, let's take a closer look at them.

Adenium mini are different, but have a lot in common

In nature, their relative, the giant adenium, reaches two meters, and the height of the mini, like other dwarf plants, is small - only about 17 centimeters. They reach this size by the age of five and represent an original decorative tree in a pot. But all year round they allow you to admire their bright flowers, reminiscent of a pink bud. As a result of the painstaking work of breeders, mini adeniums are today represented by different varieties:

  • White. The variety was one of the last to be bred. Its large white flowers amaze with their beauty and even outline of the petals, so Mini White comes first in popularity;
  • Pink. Adenium mini variety Pink blooms gently pink. The center is white. There is no clear boundary of color transition; towards the edge the color becomes richer and brighter.
  • Red. Scarlet flowers have a dark border and a white core. The smooth transition from white to scarlet makes this mini adenium even more mysterious and magnificent.

On a Mini of any variety, several flowers bloom simultaneously, covering the plant with a bright, colorful decoration. Flower growers prefer to propagate mini by grafting or seeds.

I would like to say a few words about monadenium richi. Ornamental plant is becoming increasingly popular due to its exotic appearance. Like all minis, it is dwarf, there is a caudex on the lower fragment of the trunk, and the trunk itself looks like a hill of “cones” with three to four leaves at the top. In early spring, with good maintenance, gently pink flowers appear at the top.

How to properly organize care

As with adenium obese, the main requirement at home is good lighting. These plants are similar, so the requirements for growing them are the same. Their homeland is the Arabian Peninsula, so they tolerate high temperature air and bright light.

In order for the plant to bloom as long as possible at home, in temperate climates the flowers need additional lighting. The substrate should be loose, nutritious, and well permeable to air and water. An important condition for Mini is good drainage.

Don't be surprised if the flower emerges from the caudex. The beginning of flowering depends on how correctly you organized the care of your Mini. Some specimens bloom in the first year of life, although this does not last long; there are mini ones that are in no hurry to pamper their owners.

If you have organized the care correctly and Mini feels well at home, an adult flower will bloom for about twelve days.

What you need to remember to ensure proper care

Proper care at home is good lighting, regular but not abundant watering, moderate humidity and temperature control.

Drying out the soil, as well as excessive watering, lead to disease of the root system, which can cause the plant to die. If a plant suffers from a lack of moisture, the leaves on it begin to turn yellow and crumble, and flowering is delayed for an indefinite period.

Care includes transplanting the flower into a new, more spacious pot. The root system grows quickly, and if it is crowded, the flower will die. This happens if several flowers are planted in one pot. Young plants are replanted once a year, older ones - every two or three years. Adult flowers need to be replanted as they become crowded in the pot. Replanting is not only about getting more space for root growth and development. This also means providing the root with all the necessary minerals and trace elements at home.

In winter, you cannot help but water the flower, but this is done very carefully, in small portions, once every seven days.

Growing flowers from seeds at home

It is very difficult to predict the germination of seeds, but let’s still look at how this is done. Seeds are planted in March - April to a depth of no more than a centimeter. If there is no special container, you can use a small plastic box with a lid for these purposes so that ventilation can be done two to three times a day. Excessive moisture at home is dangerous for seeds, so instead of watering, spraying is used.

At a temperature of about 30 degrees, seedlings can appear within a week. Two months after germination, the seedlings are planted and fed with fertilizer for succulents.

Growing adenium is not an easy, but very interesting activity; it brings many pleasant moments to flower lovers.

Description Reviews Images

    Adenium, Desert Rose, Impala Lily originally from the arid regions of Africa, appeared on the domestic flower market relatively recently and immediately won the huge sympathy of lovers indoor plants.

    Adeniums are classified as succulents. They store water and nutrients in a large thickening of the trunk at the bottom of the plant. IN natural conditions adeniums grow up to 10 m in height, and at home their sizes vary between 30-35 cm. When good care adenium can bloom starting from 1.5 years and even earlier.

    Mini adeniums ideal for those who have limited space for keeping indoor plants. And in general, they will be a very valuable and incredibly charming piece in your collection. Such adeniums are distinguished by their compact size, neat crown and dark green shiny “curling” leaves. Adenium dwarfism manifests itself already in the first days of life. Remember that mini adenium seeds germinate more slowly than regular ones. Shoots appear from 5 days to 1 month.

    All parts of the plant are poisonous.

    Care.

    Most important condition for normal development it is a sunny location. The plant should receive bright light with direct sun. In the warm season, it is recommended to take it out into the fresh air (balcony, terrace).

    The optimal temperature for growth is from +25 to +35 C. In winter it can drop to +12+15 C, during which the plant enters a dormant period and can partially or completely shed its foliage. The need for a dormant period is not essential when growing adenium, therefore winter time You can use heating and artificial lighting.

    In summer, water the plant, drying the substrate between waterings, and in winter, watering should be minimal, depending on the condition of the plant. Once every 2-3 weeks, adenium is fed with fertilizer for cacti or universal fertilizer in half the dose.

    Transplantation is carried out if necessary in spring and summer. Young plants are replanted every year, adults - once every 2-4 years. Use neutral, light soil (universal or peat soil for cacti, coconut briquettes) with the addition of a large (up to 50%) amount of cultivators (perlite, sand, fine expanded clay, brick chips, vermiculite, etc.). To stimulate branching, pruning and pinching is recommended.

    Growing from seeds.

    Seeds begin to germinate within 24 hours, and germination rate, if all conditions are met, ranges from 70 to 100%. They can be pre-soaked for 4 hours (no more!), but this is not a necessary procedure. IN summer time seeds are germinated on a sunny windowsill, in other seasons - with heating.

    For planting, use moisture- and breathable, drained neutral soil. Coconut shavings, perlite, charcoal, sand, vermiculite. The seeds are laid out on a moistened substrate; they can be slightly pressed into the soil, but there is no need to completely cover them. Cover with film.

    Important! The air temperature at this time should not fall below +25 degrees and not above +35 (it is better to place a thermometer nearby). Warmth in the cold season is provided by heating from below, for which a mini greenhouse is placed on a heating pad, radiator, or shoe dryer.

    Also, do not forget to open and ventilate. Ventilation is necessary for air access to avoid rotting of seeds and seedlings. When using heating, adjust air humidity by spraying. You should be wary of drafts.

    Caring for seedlings.

Adenium mini is a dwarf variety of adenium obese (obesum). It has all the features characteristic of its “tall brother”: thickening in the lower part of the trunk (caudex), gorgeous flowering, unpretentiousness.

Advantages of miniature varieties

Size

Adenium mini size – perfect option for lovers of exotic flowering succulents when there is absolutely no space left on the windowsill. An adult bush (by 4-5 years) reaches a height of only 20 cm. Low-growing varieties were bred quite recently and are not widespread, so you can only buy them by seeds.

The compactness of the miniature allows you not to think about annual pruning of the tree. Mini varieties branch on their own, unlike the “full-size” varieties.

Bloom

Dwarf plants will also be pleased with their flowering: it often begins in the first year of life and practically does not stop even in winter period with proper care. The size of the flower is also noteworthy: 5-7 cm in diameter.

Breeders have not yet been able to develop the number of shades and patterns of flowers that adenium obese has. There are white, pink, red and white-pink inflorescences.

Secrets of growing “desert roses” from seeds

In order to grow your own “miniature”, you should:

  1. Buy mini adenium seeds.
  2. Select containers for sowing: small volume, shallow, individual for each seed.
  3. Prepare the soil - nutritious, but light and loose. Be sure to use expanded clay or pebbles as drainage to prevent moisture stagnation and root rotting.
  4. Filling the pot with soil should not be complete. Be sure to leave about 1 cm of free height for watering.
  5. Pre-soaked (in warm water with the addition of potassium permanganate) for a day planting material laid out on the surface of the soil and slightly sunk into it with light pressure. Moisturizing the earthen coma is done from a spray bottle.
  6. Sown mini adenium seeds should be placed in a bag to maintain constant moisture.
  7. The best temperature for germination is 25-30 degrees. Shoots of the miniature variety appear later than the usual “desert rose”. In a week or two, sprouts will begin to appear.
  8. The emerging plants are placed on the sunniest windowsill.
  9. Watering the seedlings is carried out very carefully, after the soil has completely dried.
  10. Feed the plants twice a month.

Adenium mini is a great option for lovers rare plants. Periodic watering and bright sun are the basic needs of the crop to obtain abundant long flowering on a dwarf plant.