A powerful sculptural caudex
The swollen base acts as a natural pedestal and develops into a unique silhouette that differs from plant to plant.
Adenium 'picotee' 10.5cm
Normal price
€15,00
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Adenium 'picotee'
Want drama? Choose this. Want easy? Also this. 🌺
- Apocynaceae
- Sculptural caudex
- Two-tone flowers
- Abundant light
- Summer growth
Adenium 'picotee' combines a substantial sculptural trunk with flowers that appear hand painted. Pale petals are framed by a vivid pink-to-red edge, creating a crisp contrast that turns every flush of bloom into a genuine focal point.
Its powerful base, glossy foliage and exotic corolla form a composition with bonsai character while retaining a lively natural presence. This is a distinctive flowering succulent for bright collections, becoming more imposing as the trunk thickens and develops an individual silhouette.
What makes it special
The contrast between its swollen trunk and delicately outlined flowers gives this selection its theatrical presence.
Picotee-edged flowers
A pale petal centre meets a darker margin, producing the distinctive two-tone effect behind the trade name.
Exotic impact at a compact size
Even while young, it offers the combination of trunk, foliage and statement flowers that makes Adenium so desirable.
Why you will love it: it combines sculptural form and luxurious flowers in a plant unlike any ordinary succulent.
In your spacePlacement & plant pairingsWhere it looks its best and which plants complement it
Where it looks its best
Place it at the brightest part of a sunny window or on a sheltered, bright terrace in summer. A low cachepot in sand, terracotta or charcoal tones sets off the caudex especially well.
Plants that complement it
Combine it with plants that enjoy warmth, strong light and a deep dry-down, keeping every root system in its own pot.
- Pachypodium lamerei — an upright spiny outline creates a dynamic conversation between two very different caudiciform plants.
- Euphorbia obesa — strict spherical geometry allows the Adenium flowers to remain the main event.
- Kalanchoe luciae — broad leaves and warm red margins continue the colour language of the blooms.
Care at a glance
Light
A very bright position with several hours of gentle to strong sun, introduced progressively.
Water
Water deeply during active growth only after the mix dries well; give very little during cool dormancy.
Climate
Warm conditions, protection from low temperatures and excellent airflow around the swollen base.
Pets
Milky sap is irritating and toxic if swallowed; keep it away from children and pets.
For this plant
Substrate & nutrition
Detailed careComplete care guideLight, drying cycle, climate, substrate and nutrition in detail
Light and position
Abundant light supports a sturdy caudex and generous flowers. Introduce direct sun gradually, especially after winter, to prevent marks on leaves and trunk.
Watering correctly
While it is growing and in leaf, water thoroughly and repeat after the mix dries at depth. As temperatures fall and leaves drop, reduce frequency sharply.
Air and humidity
The swollen base must dry between waterings and receive good airflow. Avoid persistent moisture on the trunk and water collecting beneath the pot.
Temperature and seasonal rhythm
It favours steady warmth and is most active in spring and summer. Below about 15°C it slows and may naturally shed some or all of its leaves.
Substrate
Choose a coarse, extremely free-draining mix rich in porous mineral material with a modest organic fraction. Do not bury the caudex deeper.
Feeding and repotting
During active growth, apply a dilute balanced fertiliser with moderate nitrogen and adequate potassium every three to four weeks. Repot in spring once roots fill the pot.
Botanical identityIdentity & natural originAccepted name, origin of the form and natural distribution
Species identity
Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult. is the accepted species in Apocynaceae behind this commercial line. The English name Desert Rose refers to its flowers, not a relationship with true roses.
What ‘Picotee’ means
In floriculture, picotee describes petals with a distinctly contrasting margin. In Adenium the name is used for commercial lines commonly raised from selected seed and does not necessarily denote one clone with a documented breeder.
Natural distribution
Adenium obesum has a broad native range from tropical Africa and the Arabian Peninsula to Tanzania, in seasonally dry landscapes where growth periods alternate with pronounced drought.
From natural habitat to home care: the swollen stem base and fleshy roots store water for dry periods, while leaf drop reduces losses when conditions do not support growth. In a pot, that means warmth, strong light and a clear alternation between deep watering and complete drying.
Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScientific details nobody asked forBotanical details for anyone who wants to know what lies behind the plant’s appearance
The caudex is active storage tissue
The thick base is not merely decorative; it contains living tissues that hold water and reserves for periods of reduced availability.
Flowers follow the Apocynaceae plan
Funnel-shaped flowers with five lobes reflect the family’s characteristic structure and appear near the ends of new shoots.
Colour is not absolutely uniform
In seed-raised lines, the intensity and width of the petal margin can differ between individuals even when all are sold as ‘Picotee’.
White sap calls for care
Like many Apocynaceae, Adenium produces milky sap containing cardiac glycosides. Gloves and cleaned tools are sensible after pruning.
Frequently asked questions
Useful answers about placement, watering, seasonal behaviour and the plant’s distinctive traits.
01Is ‘Picotee’ one specific clone?
The name is often used for lines with contrasting petal edges. Without a registered cultivar code, a single genetic clone cannot be established from the label alone.
02When can it flower?
With abundant sun, warmth and active new growth, usually from late spring through summer. Age and individual development influence timing.
03Why is it losing leaves?
Leaf drop is common as light and temperature decline. If the trunk remains firm and healthy, this is usually normal dormancy.
04When should it be watered?
During active growth, once the mix is well dried and the pot feels light. In cool dormancy, the interval becomes much longer.
05Can it be trained like bonsai?
Yes. Its natural caudex and capacity to branch allow careful shaping. Prune only in warmth, using clean tools and protection from sap.
06What fertiliser does it need?
A dilute balanced feed with no excess nitrogen and adequate potassium supports growth and flowers only while the plant is active.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.