Didierea trollii Ø 17

One of the most bizarre, rare, and fascinating succulent plants in the entire botanical world. Known for its unique sculptural habit with sinuous and geometrically intricate branches, this species develops woody stems that initially grow prostrate and then rise into twisted branches reminiscent of an octopus’s tentacles. The branches are densely covered with long, sturdy spines, among which small, fleshy, bright green oval leaves emerge. A true structural and evolutionary masterpiece.

Exposure: thrives in bright light, preferably filtered or with direct sun only during the coolest hours. Indoors, place it near a very sunny window.

Watering: water only when the substrate is completely dry. In summer, every 7–10 days; in winter, almost suspend watering. Absolutely avoid waterlogging.

Soil type: needs a very well-draining mix, ideally with coarse sand, pumice, and cactus soil in equal parts.

Fertilizing: from spring to late summer, apply a diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer for succulents once a month.

Flowers: under optimal conditions, it produces small, inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers, much loved by pollinators.

Curiosity: endemic to southwestern Madagascar, in the wild it can exceed 2 meters in height. Its growth is extremely slow, making it even more prized by collectors.

Growing tips at a glance:

• Light: full or very bright
• Watering: scarce and only when soil is dry
• Soil: well-draining, poor, and sandy
• Fertilizer: light, once a month in summer
• Temperature: never below 10°C in winter
• Winter rest: almost waterless

Not grafted
Code 1694