Mineral Nutrition of Adenium obesum ‘Red’

Abstract

Adenium obesum (Forssk.), Roem. & Schult. has been increasingly produced as a flowering potted plant; however, there is no information regarding its tissue mineral composition. This study evaluated plant performance of A. obesum ‘Red’ grown in two container sizes and under four rates of a controlled-release fertilizer. Nutrient concentrations in flowers, leaves, stems, and roots were analyzed. Results showed that canopy height and width, stem caliper, top and root dry weights, and average flower count of A. obesum ‘Red’ increased linearly with the increased rate of fertilizer regardless of pot size. Tissue analysis indicated that nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations were lower in all organs compared with those reported for other ornamental potted plants such as Bouvardia Salisb., Euphorbia L., Rhododendron L., and Rosa L. The lower levels of tissue N and P accompanied with higher dry matter accumulation suggest that A. obesum ‘Red’ is efficient in use of N and P. The low tissue K levels were largely attributed to sodium (Na) substitution for K. Leaf K and Na concentrations were almost equal except at the highest fertilizer treatment in 1.25-L pots and the last two higher treatments in 3.0-L pots. The levels of other mineral elements were comparable to those of other reported ornamental potted plants. To produce high-quality plants in 1.25-L pots, Adenium ‘Red’ should be fertilized with 1.08 g N per liter of potting mix. For plants grown in 3.0-L pots, N rates of 0.36 g or 0.72 g per liter of potting mix would be recommended with a preference for 0.36 g.