Cyphostemma (Caudex)

This name derives from Greek and literally means "crown" and "hump", referring to its two fundamental characteristics: the hump represents a massive perennial caudex at its the base, particularly evident in this genus; while the crown represents the arrangement of the deciduous leaves, which grow at the apex of the tuber; rather thick, ovoid and lanceolate. These plants in nature develop considerably, becoming similar to real trees, reaching a diameter up to 1 meter, while in pots they maintain smaller dimensions, but still remaining imposing and majestic. Every year the epidermis of the caudex (its water reserve) detaches due to the growth of its stem, which remains greenish and therefore able to perform the important function of chlorophyll photosynthesis even during cold periods, when the leaves fall down, and only the massive caudiciform tuber remains. Here are some tips for its cultivation: It requires a lot of light throughout the year, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. Keep it at mild temperatures and never below 10 °C, for this reason is recommended to shelter it during the winter period. Water moderately only when the soil is completely dry. Water it once a week in spring and summer, reduce it to once every two months in autumn and to suspend completely in winter. The best soil is a well draining, for example formed by a mix of peat and pumice to avoid water stagnation. They do not need frequent fertilization, it is sufficient to dilute the fertilizer with watering once a year.