Step 1 — Pot the Plant as Soon as Possible
Adenium is a very hardy plant. It can handle transit well. But the sooner you get it into soil after it arrives, the faster it will recover, start growing, and give you flowers. Do not leave it sitting out of soil longer than necessary.
Step 2 — Watch How Deep You Plant It
This is important. When potting your Adenium, do not bury the caudex too deep in the soil. The caudex is the thick, swollen base of the plant, it stores water and nutrients. If too much of it is buried under soil, it becomes prone to rot.
The right way to pot it is to keep the caudex above the soil line. Only the roots should go into the soil. The caudex sits on top, visible above the surface.
Step 3 — Use the Right Soil
Always use well-draining soil. Adenium does not like sitting in wet soil. In Thailand, we mix coco husk into the growing medium to improve drainage and keep the roots healthy. Any well-draining mix will work, You can look for something similar at your local garden store.
Step 4 — Light
For the first week, place the plant in partial shade or indirect sunlight. This gives it time to adjust without added stress. Once you start to see new leaves coming in, you can move it to a brighter spot. Adenium needs good sun to grow well and flower.
Step 5 — Water
Adenium does not like too much water. Once every two days is generally fine as a starting point. The rule is simple: let the soil dry out from the previous watering before you water again.
There is no fixed schedule. Adjust based on your local climate and environment. In hot, dry weather you may need to water more often. In cooler or more humid conditions, less.
Step 6 — Fertilizer
Do not add any fertilizer right after potting. Wait until the plant has grown a few new leaves and is clearly settled in. Fertilizing too early can stress the plant when it is still adjusting. (especially when it still does not grow leaves back yet)
What to Expect in the First Two Week?
Adenium is tough. Even if it looks a little dry or tired when it arrives, do not worry. Pot it up, follow the steps above, and give it a 1-2 weeks. New leaf will grow, which is the sign that it is happy and recovering well.