Adenia glauca Ø 21

One of the most elegant, sculptural, and sought-after caudiciform plants among collectors of unusual succulents. Its most spectacular feature is the large globose caudex (a swollen trunk that acts as a water reservoir) which develops smooth bark of a fascinating light green colour at the base, fading into a brighter green towards the top. From the caudex, slender climbing branches arise, adorned with leaves of a refined glaucous green, divided into 5 geometric lobes. A perfect blend of the solidity of a rock and the lightness of a climbing plant.

Exposure: enjoys bright light, but appreciates slight shade during the hottest summer hours to prevent sunburn on the caudex. In winter, it needs plenty of brightness.

Watering: regular in spring and summer, but always allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings. Absolutely avoid waterlogging, which causes root rot. In winter, almost completely withhold watering.

Soil type: well-draining and porous; an ideal mix is a succulent potting blend with added pumice or perlite (about 50% inorganic component).

Fertilisation: from April to September, using a cactus fertiliser low in nitrogen, diluted to half strength, once a month.

Flowers: produces small greenish or pale-yellow flowers, inconspicuous but interesting, followed by horn-shaped capsules that release winged seeds.

Curiosity: in the wild, it grows in arid regions of southern Africa and Madagascar. The caudex can reach remarkable dimensions with age, making each specimen a unique piece. It is a dioecious plant: male and female plants exist, and both sexes are needed to produce seeds.

Growing tips at a glance:

• Light: plenty, but no direct sun during the hottest hours.
• Water: moderate, wait for complete drying.
• Soil: super draining, with sand and inert material.
• Fertiliser: light and only during active growth.
• Winter rest: cool (not below 10 °C) and almost dry.

Not grafted
Code 1696