Imagine a plant that reckon like a miniature volcano erupting from the ground , with thick “ lava ” oozing down its English . That ’s just what the eccentric Cephalopentandra ecirrhosa resembles as it ages ! This peculiar plant from Africa is trusted to be a conversation crank in any garden . Keep reading to learn all about cultivating your own volcanic wonder .
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About Cephalopentandra ecirrhosa
Cephalopentandra ecirrhosa is a very strange perennial , deciduous plant aboriginal to part of eastern Africa . As it maturate , it educate an unbelievably loggerheaded , conic rootstalk or caudex up to around 2 feet across . This swollen al-Qaida resemble a petite volcano , with rough , melted “ lava ” texture cascade down from the peak .
In leaping and summer , vines sprout from the caudex reaching up to about 3 base improbable . The vines are covered in elongate leaf and produce yellow-bellied flower , followed by uneatable orange - blood-red fruits . In pin , the vines give out back , leaving just the striking volcanic caudex exposed .
“ Ecirrhosa ” in the botanic name means “ without tendril , ” referring to the plant ’s vines lacking the spiraling tendril common in its cucumber family relatives .
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How to Care for Cephalopentandra ecirrhosa
Light Requirements
Like many succulents , Cephalopentandra treasure bright lighter but not direct , intense sun that can scorch its fleshy stems and parting . Outdoors , site it in a gay yet slightly shaded location . Indoors , a sunny , south - facing windowpane is ideal , or supplement with agrow illumination .
Watering Needs
This plant hastypical water needsfor a semi - succulent from a desert environment . During its active spring and summertime growing period , allow the ground to dry out slightly between thorough waterings . Reduce watering in fall as it goes dormant . In winter dormancy , just provide enough moisture to keep the stock from shrivel up .
Soil Preferences
For good results , use a well - debilitate cactus orsucculent dirt mix , or amend a stock potting mixture with generous amount of money of materials like perlite , pumice stone or common sand to enhance drain . A somewhat acidic territory pH is ideal .
Fertilizing
Feed Cephalopentandra ecirrhosa during its main spring / summer growth spurt with a balancedliquid fertilizerdiluted to one-half strength every few week . Nofertilizeris required during its winter resting phase angle .
Temperature and Humidity
aboriginal to semi - arid regions , this plant bed ardent temperature around 70 - 90 ° F during its active time of year . It ask mild , wry term with low humidity in wintertime when dormant , with temperature above 50 ° atomic number 9 .
Pests and Problems
This plant has no major pest or disease government issue when render with the right care . Potential business let in spider mites androtfrom excessive wet during dormancy .
Pruning
steady pruning is unnecessary beyond trim any dead or unsightly growth after the vines cash in one’s chips back each twilight .
Potting and Repotting
utilize a container with sizable drain hole and avoid shallow pots that could restrict the development of the substantial stock . Repot every 2 - 3 age in former spring before new increase emerges .
Cephalopentandra ecirrhosa Propagation Methods
seed :
Cuttings :
With a picayune forbearance , you too can cultivate this extraordinary “ vent plant ” and its bizarre lava - like stock ! Just provide bright scant , excellent drain , and desert - like conditions for the best results .
