Didierea

Family. Didiereaceae.

Origin. Island of Madagascar.

Description. Didierea is a large tree-like succulent with thick gray stems covered with long thorns and soft, juicy narrow green leaves. In the wild, it can reach a height of 4-6 meters. The stems of this species resemble octopus tentacles. In young specimens, the shoots droop and often creep along the ground, but with age they straighten out and grow more and more vertically. Flowers of a pinkish or greenish hue, with 5 petals, bloom mainly on adult trees.

Height. Up to 4 - 6 m in nature and about 50 cm in indoor culture.

Сare at home

Temperature conditions

In spring, summer and autumn - normal room temperature; in winter, give the plant a rest in a cool room with a temperature of about 12 ° C.

Lighting

Tolerates partial shade, do not allow shoots and leaves to be exposed to direct sunlight, especially during summer midday.

Substrate

Use soil with sufficient coarse river sand, perlite or pumice to improve drainage. Despite the fact that didierea is a succulent, it needs nutritious soil. 

Feeding

Apply fertilizers for cacti and succulents monthly during the period of active growth.

Purpose

Quite a rare succulent for collectors of exotic species.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

Misting daily helps to freshen the plants and also simulates night dew in their natural habitat. 

Soil moisture

This species requires quite a lot of water during the growing season. As with other deciduous succulents, the appearance of new leaves in the spring informs the grower about the beginning of regular watering, and their fall indicates a decrease in the amount of moisture.

Transplant

Adult specimens are replanted in the spring every 2 years.

Reproduction

Propagated in spring and the first half of summer, by seeds, grafts or cuttings.