Adeniums: Setting The Record Straight
January 30, 2012 
Adeniums certainly are not new to the market, but few growers and consumers realize the plant commonly known as Desert Rose is capable of being treated like a tropical.
Oglesby Plants’ Gary Hennen, who exhibited at the recent Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition, wants to clear up the misconception.
“We want to treat it more like a tropical,” he says. “We give [adenium] lots of water, fertilizer and light – and it will flower forever. That [misconception] is the biggest problem we find with the professionals.”
Among the new plant highlights at Oglesby this year is the expansion of the Safari alocasias. Oglesby introduced the series last year with two varieties. Now the series features five.
“We’re trying to develop a fuller plant with more leaves,” Hennen says.
Alocasia ‘Serengetti’ is another new variety bred for drought tolerance. Oglesby also introduced five new spathiphyllum bred for dark glossy foliage and an improved flower count.
“Each variety has a preferred size,” he says.
Sphathoglottis is another plant in which Oglesby is introducing new developments. Hennen would like to develop varieties that are suitable for the patio. So far, Oglesby has come out with ‘Groovy Grape,’ ‘Cabaret’ and ‘Snow Angel.’
Perennials are in Oglesby’s portfolio now, as well. According to Hennen, Oglesby is the only tissue culture producer licensed to produce the genetics Terra Nova Nurseries develops.
Learn more about Oglesby Plants at OglesbyTC.com.
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