Edithcolea

Family. Asclepiadaceae.

Origin: East Africa. 

Description. Edithcolea is a small succulent shrub with abundantly branching, strongly spiny shoots. The stems are light green or brown, round in cross-section or with longitudinal, low ribs. The spines are light, often white, short, but very strong. Flowers have 5 rounded or pointed, spotted petals covered with sparse fluff, reaching 10-12 cm in diameter. The shades of the buds include burgundy, brown, yellow and greenish. Some species during the flowering period can have an unpleasant aroma of rotting meat.

Height: 10 - 20 cm, shoots can reach 50 - 70 cm in length.

How to grow

Temperature conditions

These plants do not like cold, so year-round maintenance at room temperature is suitable. Winter maintenance in a cool room with a temperature of 12 - 15 ° C.

Lighting

In summer, succulents prefer to grow in light shade from direct sunlight. Only in the morning and evening can the shoots be in the sun. In autumn and winter, provide a well-lit windowsill. If there is not enough light, the color of the stems fades and the plants stretch out.

Care

Elitecolea is easy to grow and can be recommended for beginner gardeners. Stems that are too long can be trimmed.

Substrate

For growing, use loose soil, for example, ready-made mixtures for cacti and succulents with the addition of coarse river sand, perlite or pumice to improve drainage. 

Feeding

Fertilizers for cacti and succulents with a high potassium content, poor in nitrogen, 2 times a month at half concentration, monthly.

Purpose

A very unusual, spectacular, decorative foliage plant. Edithcolea is very attractive when grown in hanging pots.

Flowering time

Summer, flowering lasts up to 1.5 months. 

Air humidity

There is no need to spray. During the winter period, the air should remain dry. It is advisable to ensure good air movement around the plant, while avoiding cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Water moderately but generously during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out before the next watering. Reduce watering in winter so that the soil ball does not dry out. 

Transplantation

Adult specimens are replanted every 2 years, in the spring, it is advisable to use clay pots, the walls of which allow air and water to pass through and allow the soil to dry out faster.

Reproduction

Propagated by stem cuttings about 15 cm long, in spring and summer. Pre-dry the cut site for 1-2 days. Sow seeds in spring in loose and well-drained soil.

Pests and diseases

Succulents are very susceptible to stem and root rot, which occurs as a result of overwatering, especially in the fall and winter. Leaves may turn yellow if room temperatures are too cold.

Of the harmful insects, mealybugs pose the main danger. 

Note

Take precautions when handling the plant - it is armed with small but sharp thorns

Hydroponics

Many species grow well hydroponically.

Varieties: 

Edithcolea grandis

A perennial succulent with thick, juicy, branched stems, often creeping along the surface of the soil. The stems have 4-5 twisted ribs and reach 30 cm in length, have small tubercles on which short thick thorns are located. Flowers appear closer to the tops of the stem and reach 13 cm in diameter, have an unpleasant odor that attracts flies that pollinate the plants.