Caudex plants (general) care guide
Also known as: Caudiciform plants
Pets and children
Caution advised
Adenium, Pachypodium, Euphorbia, and others have poisonous sap that can cause vomiting or skin irritation; keep them out of reach and see a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Caudex plants (general)
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 14 days
- Summer growers (Pachypodium, Adenium) get water once the soil dries after leafing out, as a guide; winter growers rest nearly dry from early summer.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 10 days
- Summer growers get less as their leaves yellow; winter growers resume once new growth shows, watered when dry, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- Dormant summer growers stay nearly dry, moistened lightly about once a month; winter growers get water on a warm morning once dry.
Light and placement for Caudex plants (general)
Generally full sun and moving air outdoors under the eaves; summer growers take midsummer sun, winter and spring-fall growers rest in bright, airy shade, and weak light leaves the caudex thin.
Overwintering Caudex plants (general)
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
Most are tender: as a guide, bring them to a bright window when nights fall below about 10°C and keep above 5°C; rest summer growers dry, and give winter growers sun and water when dry.
Fertilizing and repotting Caudex plants (general)
Fertilizer
Feed lightly: diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month in growth (spring to early fall for summer growers, fall to spring for winter growers), none while dormant.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Caudex plants (general)
- Watered through dormancy as in growth, the caudex rots.
- Dormancy leaf drop is taken for death, and the plant is tossed or overwatered.
- An imported, unrooted plant shrivels without ever rooting.
Tips for growing Caudex plants (general)
- Learn whether yours is a summer, winter, or spring-fall grower; watering follows from that.
- Leaves out means it wants water; yellowing leaves are the cue to stretch the gaps.
- Use a fast-drying, pumice-heavy mix and keep the caudex above the soil.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
