On a sunny Thursday afternoon along Kiambu’s northern bypass, Leakey Wachira carefully arranges his prized desert roses under makeshift umbrellas.
His roadside nursery is bursting with vibrant blooms.
“These plants are always in season,” Mr Wachira says, adjusting a deep red, double-petalled desert rose. “And the longer they stay in the nursery, the more valuable they become.”
He says that for those who want to brighten up their homes, balconies or gardens without the hassle of high-maintenance plants, the desert rose (Adenium obesum) is the perfect choice.
“These hardy succulents not only add colour and elegance to a room, they also require minimal care, making them ideal for busy plant lovers,” he says.
Mr Wachira sources his desert roses from Uganda, buying them at around Sh300 per plant. When they mature into large plants, he sells them for up to Sh2,500 per stem, depending on size.
As demand grows, especially from landscapers, homeowners and collectors, he can sell up to 3,000 plants in a good month.
“These plants are hardy and drought-resistant,” he explains. “They thrive in dry areas and don’t need frequent watering. That’s why so many people are switching to them instead of delicate, high-maintenance flowers.”
Originally a roadside vendor, Mr Wachira, a landscaper by profession, has now expanded his business to include online sales, shipping rare hybrids across Kenya and even internationally.
“People used to think desert roses were only for collectors,” he says. “Now they’re in gardens, balconies and even offices. They give you beauty without stress - and for me, that means business is always in bloom.”
About seven kilometres from Leakey, Florence Thiribo has just finished selling an order of Adenium crispum, a rarer variety than the usual pink and red desert roses.
Dressed in work clothes, she wipes the sweat from her brow - partly from the heat of the sun and partly from tending her plants.
“It’s perfect for people who like minimalist elegance in their gardens,” she says.
Unlike Leakey, who imports from Uganda, Ms Thiribo sources her plants locally from Mombasa. She also stocks Adenium arabicum, known for its thick, sculptural trunk - a favourite of bonsai enthusiasts - but is currently out of stock.
Ms Thiribo sells her desert roses to both roadside buyers and online customers. A small plant starts at Sh300 and she sells an average of five a week.
Once considered a collector’s item, desert roses have become one of the most sought-after ornamental plants for those who want beauty without constant maintenance.
“Unlike many flowering plants that require frequent watering, pruning and pest control, desert roses thrive with little attention,” she says.
“They can survive for weeks without water, and their thick caudex (swollen stem base) acts as a natural reservoir, allowing them to survive long periods of drought. Their ability to adapt to harsh conditions makes them perfect for urban gardeners, frequent travellers or anyone who wants to enjoy beautiful flowers with minimal effort,” she explains.
Aisha Mwangi, a horticultural expert specialising in arid and semi-arid plants, is not surprised by their growing popularity.
Desert roses belonging to Leakey Scapes Solution are displayed in Kiambu on February 27, 2025
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
“These plants are designed to survive,” she explains. “Their swollen base stores water, allowing them to survive long periods of drought.
This makes them perfect for people who want something stunning without the need for constant maintenance.”
Social media has also played a part in their growing appeal.
“People love to share photos of rare hybrids, unique caudex formations and grafting techniques. It’s a trend that has made desert roses a must-have plant for many,” adds Ms Mwangi.
Desert roses have been cultivated for thousands of years, particularly in the gardens of ancient Egypt and Arabia, where they were prized for their hardiness and striking beauty.
Over time, different species have evolved, including Adenium arabicum, known for its thick, bonsai-like trunk, and Adenium somalense, known for its taller growth and elongated leaves.
Modern hybridisation has further enhanced their ornamental appeal, introducing varieties with double or triple petals, deeper colour intensity and even variegated leaves.
Ms Mwangi notes that while the standard pink and red varieties are readily available, rare hybrids such as those with double or triple petals, unique caudex formations or unusual colours such as yellow and deep purple can be more scarce and expensive. Some of these special varieties are imported or selectively bred by local growers.
She explains that desert roses thrive in bright, direct sunlight and need at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day for optimum growth and flowering. They prefer warm climates with temperatures between 18°C and 32°C and will struggle in temperatures below 10°C.
“Unlike delicate flowers, these plants only need occasional watering,” advises Ms Mwangi. “Their soil should be completely dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Proper drainage is essential as desert roses are very susceptible to root rot if over-watered.”
Ms Thiribo often reassures new buyers that desert roses are almost impossible to kill if basic care is followed.
“A lot of people are afraid they’ll kill their plants,” she says. “But once they realise how little care desert roses actually need, they love them even more.”
One of the reasons for the desert rose’s growing popularity is its versatility when it comes to shaping and pruning. With the right techniques, the plant can be trained into bonsai-like shapes, giving it an artistic, sculptural appeal. Some growers deliberately expose the caudex above the ground to create a dramatic twisted trunk effect, making the plant look even more exotic.
As well as their beauty and ease of care, desert roses have cultural significance. Ms Thiribo reveals that many of her customers believe they bring prosperity and good luck.
Desert roses belonging to Leakey Scapes Solution are displayed in Kiambu on February 27, 2025.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
“A well-shaped desert rose at the entrance to a house is said to invite good luck,” she says with a smile, adding that others simply love them because they effortlessly transform any space.
In many cultures, they are a symbol of strength and endurance, making them a popular gift for plant lovers. Their long flowering period also adds to their appeal - while other flowers bloom seasonally, a well-tended desert rose can bloom several times a year, providing a constant splash of colour.
“For plant lovers seeking effortless elegance, the desert rose is more than just a plant - it is a statement of resilience, artistry and timeless beauty,” says Leakey.
