Seyrigia

Family. Cucurbitaceae.

Origin. Madagascar.

Description. Seyrigia is a very unusual plant - a herbaceous liana with long, thin, jointed shoots. It has a large underground tuber up to 8 cm in diameter, which stores moisture and nutrients. The stems are tetrahedral in cross-section, green or glaucous-green, often covered with thick white fluff. In the spring, small leaves may appear on the branches, which often fall off in the fall. The flowers are small, greenish, yellow, orange or pink.

Height. It grows slowly, but over time its stems can reach 4 m in length.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, the ideal temperature range is 18 - 24 ° C. In the winter months, when there is a lack of lighting, it is better to put the plant into a dormant state and keep it cool - at a temperature of 10 - 15 ° C. 

Lighting

The bush can easily receive maximum available light and does not need shading. Good lighting stimulates the formation of flower buds.

Care

Long stems of mature plants may need support.

Substrate

You can use a ready-made mixture for cacti and succulent plants, adding fine sand or perlite to improve drainage. 

Feeding

From spring to autumn, feed with fertilizer at half strength every 2 weeks. Use a fertilizer for succulent plants that is high in potassium. 

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

Does not require spraying, as it easily tolerates even the driest atmosphere.

Soil moisture

Water sparingly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out to 1/3 depth between waterings. In the winter months, watering is kept to a minimum, preventing the earthen clod from drying out completely. Try to water so that droplets of moisture do not fall on the stems of the plant. 

Transplant

Transplantation is carried out in the spring, every 2 - 3 years. Seyrigia is suitable for an unglazed clay pot, the walls of which allow moisture and air to pass through. The tubers may protrude slightly above the soil surface.

Reproduction

Vegetative using cuttings and seeds in spring.

Pests and diseases

Rotting due to waterlogging and insufficient drainage.