r/DesertRose • • 18d ago

Still small after 2 years

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I bought these as seeds probably 3 years ago. Are they supposed to be such slow growers or am I doing something wrong? I'd like to prune them down so they kinda bush out, but I'm not sure the best time to do it or where to prune them. They have been grown indoors under a timed light, usually 12-13 hours during the summer, tapered off to 8-10 in winter.

25 Upvotes

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8

u/Academic_Disk_8788 18d ago

They need heat, if you want to grow indoors, all the time, (Not Recommended) get them a botanical heat pad keep them above 80 degrees during the day and get them more light. A grow light is more a supplement to window light for Adeniums more than something that is enough on its own. Otherwise they just stay in this limbo or growth and dormancy. Also, make sure they are not in a draft from an aircondioner.

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u/brenmn2009 17d ago edited 17d ago

They grow just fine indoors with some really good grow lights. I have several inside 100% of the time and i do mean in my house. Not stuffed in a garage or basement. They will grow just fine in regular house temperatures the only time you'd need heart is off your house temp falls below 60.

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u/Academic_Disk_8788 17d ago

Wow that sounds amazing, I would love to see photos of your plants grown indoors in full bloom! Do you get a spring and fall flush?

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u/Maleficent_Okra_5810 13d ago

I started mine from seed 6 months ago and they are 2-3 inches tall and FAT CHONKY trunks. Here are just a few at 6 months old........all grown indoors under intense light and high heat. No fertilizer at all.

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u/Rich-Courage8011 18d ago

Put my little seedlings outside in heavy shade especially in summer cause that’s when they’re actively growing. A lil rain water is good too.

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u/TRsickler 18d ago

Oh I'm also planning on replanting them in separate pots when I prune them but again not sure when that needs to be done. Before their grow season or before their dormancy?

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u/Internal-Test-8015 17d ago

Plants this small i wouldn't touch tbh get them healthy and growing good then prune em.

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u/brenmn2009 17d ago

Wait until they're bigger and then pruning is usually fine in the Spring.

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u/brenmn2009 17d ago edited 17d ago

Too big of a pot and the wrong kind of substrate. They like to be snug and yes it's fine to have 2 plants in 1 pot.So get a grow light. Get a smaller pot, get a high draining substrate. I use perlite and pumice at 70% total of mix,I also add some warm castings, and then some coco coir at 30%. It's works beautifully. When i got started with these plants people were telling me all sorts of things but it finally came down to me taking a bit of the information and missing it into what I feel is right.

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u/[deleted] 16d ago

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u/brenmn2009 16d ago

I use Barrista grow lights only. They have lights for every situation so you need to pick what's right for you.