La fockea edulis It is a small plant that does not usually exceed one meter in height. It is very curious, since its stems act as if it were a climbing plant, but when you see its thick trunk, you realize how rare it is.
It is native to Africa, especially in the southern part of the continent, and is one of the species More popular in the collections of cacti, succulents and plants with caudex.
La fockea edulis it is a species that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is characterized by having a very thick trunk in relation to the size of the plant, about 20cm in adulthood. The leaves are green, up to 5cm long. The flowers appear distributed in inflorescences during spring or summer, depending on climates, and they give off a very pleasant aroma.
It is a vine plant, but the truth is that many times in cultivation it is pruned to keep it with shorter stems. Although always You can put more or less thick wires so that its leaves can climb there, or a tutor, as you can see in this image:
La fockea edulis It is a highly recommended species for beginners, since it does not require special or complicated care. It is very grateful, enduring drought much better than other plants, so it is necessary to water it very little: once every 10 days, less in winter. What we must bear in mind is that is very sensitive to cold: if the temperature drops below 5ºC, it is advisable to put it inside the home, in a very bright room. When kept outdoors, it is advisable to place it in full sun, but keeping the trunk in shade.
As for the transplant, being slow-growing, it can be changed every 2-3 years, in spring, using for this a substrate that has good drainage (mixing for example black peat with perlite in equal parts), and a pot that is at least 4cm wider than above.
Did you know this unique plant?
I have had a Fockea edulis for about six or seven years and a gust of wind has torn off one of the green stems. Can you plant that stem to get a new plant out of it?
If not, how does it multiply?
Thanks and regards.
Hi Peter.
Yes, it multiplies both by cuttings and by seeds.
You can plant the stem in a pot with a sandy type substrate and wait.
It is most likely to take root soon, in two to three weeks.
A greeting.