Operculicarya (Caudex)

It is a superb slow growing succulent shrub, with a characteristic caudex, which makes it assume a bonsai habit, that is highly appreciated by green collectors all over the world! It has tiny, rounded and very shiny leaves, typically of a green color, but tends to take on reddish shades, when exposed to the direct sun. Growing mainly in arid and rocky areas, this plant adapts perfectly to any climatic conditions, keeping most of the nutrients it needs in its caudiciform stem. In the places of its origin, it reaches up to 5 meters in height, while we usually cultivate it as a pot plant: an amazing miniature tree, which will bring the charm of African nature directly to your home! Here are some tips for its cultivation: It requires a lot of light throughout the year, however, avoid direct sunlight. It is preferable to keep it at mild temperatures and never below 15 °C, for this reason it is recommended to shelter it during the winter period. Water moderately and only when the soil is completely dry. It is enough to water it once a week in spring and summer, reduce it to once every two months in autumn and to suspend it completely in winter. The best soil is a well-draining one, even better if further enriched with inert materials such as pumice, sand or lapilli. They do not need frequent fertilization, it is sufficient to dilute the fertilizer with watering once a year.