Gill - thanks a lot for the pics, they all look great. The first one has an impressive caudex, almost the same thickness from top to bottom,looks really good :)

Red spider mites - what's the cure, provado spray?

Do you know the reason they didn't flower previous years, do they need to be kept at a constant warm temp rather then the ups n downs of the UK climate?

Hope the year gets better for youGill, I can sympathise as I have had major upheaval and a stressful time the past few months in a way you just wouldn't expect.

RSM, the little horrors, yes, Provado was what I used, it kind of worked, for a short time, then the little twerps came back worse than ever! T,hey never seemed to be bug free for any length of time. Reason was my d/h grew toms and cucs in the same g/h and they were RSM magnets. Sadly he died unexpectedly in late Feb so the g/h just has my plants in now :( not needed the spray this season at all.

I think the distinct lack of good light combined with our much lower average temps have prevented them from flowering for me. Plus as mentioned our short summer season doesn't help one bit. When you think that they grow naturally on Socotra, (an island of the coast of the Yemen), Arabia and mainland Africa it's no wonder we struggle with them, but it's fun trying! Then you appreciate your own efforts more I'm sure? I know I do. There was a fourth sibling shaped just like a skittle, but it snuffed it due to root rot as I hadn't got them in a gritty mix like now.

They will move indoors for the winter months, we did heat the g/h to keep it frost free and it was packed with potted plants from outside including my growing palm collection. We chose not to heat the house all day every day for our own comfort, and never at night, so temps would still fluctuate greatly......but goodness knows what I will be able to afford to do now I'm on my own.

Seems like I'm not the only one to have had a bad 2015, (not that I thought I was unique), so let's hope the 2nd half improves....that said, mine couldn't have been any worse.

Gill UK

Gill these are all lovely plants. The fact that they are so difficult to grow makes you appreciate them that much more. You have done a fantastic job with the elements that are dealt to our UK gardening friends. All 3 are terrific. The nodes on the first plant are so closely stacked, it has so many tightly placed branches and a natural gorgeous form. The second reminds me of a sculpture form, perhaps a human silhouette crossing their legs. The last plant looks like it has been trained to bonsai form and is showing great character already at such a young age. They are sure to bring you loads of joy when they finally bloom. I am so sorry about your recent loss, you have my condolences.

Tracy

Very sorry for your loss Gill, remember people are only a thought away and memories last forever. Sending you some healing vibes :)

Gill, my condolences to you... 2015 has been a bad year.

Your Adeniums are stunning. Coming from the UK, it's impressive. I know how hard it is to grow plants from the genus up here north.

Tracy, Phil, Martin...thank you on all levels : )

Gill UK

Hey Gill, like to have my daily look at your plants, mmm mmm mighty fine they are too :)

Anyway, how are you doing?

Your plants are super. Really nice chunky caudex on them and a lovely shape, like little trees. I think next spring I may give some of mine a haircut because, like you, I like to see them more compact in shape. I've brought all mine indoors now. Temps are dipping quite sharply at nights now, but the plants are happy cluttering up South facing windows

Gill, you can send your Adeniums to Denmark, on vacation. We have had sunny weather and about 25 C everyday the past week. ;-)

1/2 an acre WOW - I can dream lol

The more I look that first picture above the more I fall in love lol, will look spectacular full of flowers too :)

Gill your plants look lovely. I understand the slow growth. I get that here too but love these plants so much that I will go out of my way to make them happy.

I am terribly sorry for your loss Gill. You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers.

Gorgeous plants.