Hoodia

Family. Asclepiadaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Hoodia, although it looks like a cactus, has nothing to do with this family. It is a vertically growing succulent with cylindrical stems. In the natural environment it often forms numerous colonies. The stems are light green, have numerous vertical ribs, and sometimes form lateral shoots. The ribs, in turn, consist of many rounded tubercles. The spines are short, strong, straight, light. Notable are the large flowers of this plant, which can appear in any part of the stem, but more often closer to the top. The petals of the flowers are fused, pastel colors - pink, yellow, greenish, orange, red and burgundy, covered with luxurious pubescence.

Height. 20 - 45 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Hoodia can tolerate temperatures of around 4.5 degrees Celsius when dormant if the soil is mostly dry, and heat of around 38 degrees Celsius if not exposed to direct sunlight. The optimal temperature during the rest period should be at least 10 ° C.

Lighting

In their natural environment they often grow under the scorching rays of the sun. Place the plant pot in a well-lit area with light shade on hot summer days. Lack of light leads to the formation of weak, thin stems and lack of flowering.

Care

An unpretentious species that only requires good drainage.

Substrate

Substrate with a high content of coarse sand, perlite or pumice. It is advisable to place the hoodia in a shallow clay pot, as this also promotes rapid drying of the soil. A mixture of 50 percent pumice or perlite, 25 percent peat or organic mulch and 25 percent sand is suitable.

Feeding

In spring, gradually increase the amount of watering and begin feeding the hoodia once a month with liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Stop feeding at the end of August to stop new growth. Use fertilizers with a high phosphorus and low nitrogen content. 

Purpose

Many species produce attractive flowers, although some plants emit an unpleasant odor when flowering.

Flowering time

Summer and autumn.

Air humidity

They do not need spraying; in winter the air should be dry. 

Soil moisture

Hoodias require regular watering on warm days. Like most succulents, they are prone to rot. In winter, the succulent requires little moisture and almost does not need watering. In spring and summer, water only when the top layer of soil dries out. Make sure that water does not stagnate in the tray.

Transfer

The bush develops slowly and rarely needs replanting. The root system prefers to be in slightly cramped conditions. Replant the succulent every two years in the spring to replace the soil with fresh substrate.

Reproduction

Often propagated by rooting cuttings, however, this process can take up to 1 year. Cuttings are cut with a sharp sterile instrument, and the cut site is left to dry for 1-2 days. Seeds are sown in the spring.

Note

When good conditions are created, this plant is distinguished by its longevity in indoor culture.

Pests and diseases

Root rot due to stagnation of water.

Pests may include mealybugs.