Fockea edulis care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Fockea edulis

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 7 days

A summer grower that romps while its vines extend: as a guide, water thoroughly once the surface dries, midsummer included.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 10 days

As it cools and the leaves yellow, water a few days after the soil dries, as a guide.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 30 days

Once leafless, nearly dry with a light moistening about once a month; if it keeps leaves in a warm room, give a little once the soil dries.

Light and placement for Fockea edulis

Generally full sun, outdoors from spring to fall; the caudex itself can scorch, so keep its base lightly shaded, and indoors use a bright window since dim light stretches the vines.

Overwintering Fockea edulis

Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above

As a guide, move it to a bright window indoors when nights fall below about 10°C, keep it above 5°C, and rest it dry once the leaves drop; it is fairly tough and shrugs off brief cold if dry.

Fertilizing and repotting Fockea edulis

Fertilizer

Diluted liquid feed about once or twice a month from May to September, kept moderate even when you want the caudex to fatten, and none in winter.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Fockea edulis

• Left untrained, the vines tangle and shade the caudex.
• Watered through winter in a warm room, the caudex rots.
• Suddenly exposed to strong sun, the surface of the caudex scorches.

Tips for growing Fockea edulis

• Wind the vines on a stake, or cut them back in spring when they get too long.
• Among caudex plants it is tough, a good first caudex.
• Raising the caudex a little at each repotting shows off its bulk.

More caudex plant care guides

• Fragrant burseraBursera fagaroides
• Madagascar palmPachypodium lamerei
• Operculicarya pachypusOperculicarya pachypus
• Pachypodium brevicaulePachypodium brevicaule
• Pachypodium densiflorumPachypodium densiflorum
• Pachypodium graciliusPachypodium rosulatum var. gracilius