Brachystelma         

Family. Asclepiadaceae.

Origin. Southern part of Africa.

Description. Brachystelma is a perennial herbaceous dwarf succulent plant, very impressive. One or more short erect or creeping stems up to 15 cm in height emerge from a flattened tuber (resembling a potato in structure) with a diameter of 80 - 200 mm. The size of the tubers is related to the age of the plant, for example a tuber with a diameter of about 200 mm probably belongs to a plant that is 10 - 20 years old. All above-ground parts are covered with coarse hair and secrete juice when damaged. 

Simple, opposite leaves are oblong, sometimes with wavy edges (up to 100 x 25 mm), located on short petioles, often appear before flowers, develop very quickly - within 2 - 3 days. The lower surface of the leaf blade and edges are pubescent, the upper side is smooth. The striking flowers are collected in axillary inflorescences of 2-6 pieces and have a very unpleasant odor. The corolla is tubular or bell-shaped, its inner surface has crimson-brown stripes on a yellowish background. Each flower has 5 thin petals, greenish on the outside and dark burgundy or raspberry brown on the inside. Plants bloom in spring and early summer until late autumn. Fruits size 120 x 30 mm. The seeds are numerous. Flowers vary greatly in size and shape among different varieties. In autumn, plants lose their leaves and go dormant until the following spring.

Height. Up to 60 cm, but usually less.

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the growing period, normal room temperature is suitable, in winter keep it cool (about 10°C) and completely dry. Don't let the temperature drop below 5°C. 

Lighting

They are usually kept in partial shade; if exposed to direct sunlight during the day, the caudex may get burned.

Care

The caudex of the succulent is sensitive to rotting, so, as a rule, it is placed above the surface of the substrate and surrounded by an additional layer of river sand around the perimeter.

Substrate

Grow in a well-drained soil mixture of 4 parts fine and 4 parts coarse river sand; 1 part well-rotted compost; 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculite. 

Feeding

2 times a month with fertilizers at half the concentration and only during the period of active growth.

Flowering time

Spring – summer, often until late autumn.

Air humidity

There are no special requirements; in winter the air is very dry.

Soil moisture

Watering should be moderate, start watering when the first sprouts appear from the top of the tuber, and continue until the leaves turn yellow. Provide good drainage when plants are actively growing and developing and immediately stop watering when they go dormant. 

Transplant

Adult plants are replanted in the spring approximately every 2 years to change the soil to a more nutritious mixture, young specimens - as they grow, annually, slightly increasing the size of the pot.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds, with fresh planting material having the highest germination rate. Seeds are collected only when ripe fruits open and stored for a year, sprinkled with ash to prevent the appearance of harmful insects. Seeds germinate easily in moist sandy soil. Cover them with a 5-7 mm layer of sand and maintain uniform moisture until the seedlings reach a height of 5 cm.

Pests and diseases

If the humidity is too high during the dormant period, the plants will rot instantly and can turn into a slimy mass in just a day or two.

Brachystelma is very susceptible to mealybugs.

Note

Some types of brachystelma are edible; their tubers are consumed baked.