Tamil Nadu: Growing rare desert roses with zero fertilizer

In the plains of Tamil Nadu, the desert rose thrives even in the heat and drought. Jalandhar Reddy has spent 25 years cultivating Adenium Arabicum, a species that can survive months without waterand flourishes without fertilizer.

His garden shows how to make the most of a challenging environment. From decades‑old plants valued at thousands of dollars to low-cost saplings, he demonstrates how grafting, repotting and simple care can keep these resilient flowers growing, producing and developing multicolored blooms. Today the 15-acre plot hosts more than 400 varieties, drawing interest from urban gardeners across India and beyond.