Adenia glauca
Adenia glauca produces a smooth, silvery-grey swollen caudex topped with glaucous, deeply palm-lobed leaves and twining annual vines. This caudiciform species develops a flask-shaped stem base that sets it apart from standard succulents.
Origin and Natural Habitat
This plant originates from rocky outcrops, wooded bushveld, and dry scrubland in the northern regions of South Africa. Plants grow wedged into granite and quartzite rock crevices under intense solar radiation. These harsh microenvironments provide rapid natural drainage and seasonal warmth.
Plant Characteristics
The swollen caudex expands into a rounded, silvery dome reaching over thirty centimeters in diameter. Slender, twining annual stems emerge from the crown during spring, bearing pale blue-green leaves divided into five distinct lobes. Tiny, greenish-yellow flowers appear on separate male and female plants. The deep taproot requires adequate vertical space to support the developing caudex.
Care Guide
Light
This species prefers lots of light and should be kept in a sunny spot in the greenhouse, or in an area that receives full sun. Do not keep it shaded as it will etiolate (stretch in search of light).
Soil
Young Adenia glauca prefer a semi-moisture retaining mixture and will benefit from an organic mix, preferably with coco peat. Once mature, this species should be planted in a well-draining, inorganic mix.
Water
This plant should receive a thorough soaking of water every 10 days during the growing season, as long as the soil is dry. Do not water at all in winter after it has shed its leaves.
Pot size
Adenia are large growing plants with substantial caudexes and roots, and should be grown in large pots. A young plant will thrive in a 12cm pot, while older individuals should be kept in pots that are roughly 10cm wider than the base of their stems and root system.
Temperature
This species’ ideal temperature ranges between 20 – 30°C. It can tolerate 5 – 35°C. It is however very sensitive to frost.
Humidity
Adenia enjoy humidity during their growing season, but should not be kept in a humid area during dormancy.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during dormancy. Alternatively, a small amount of slow release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing Season
Adenia grow actively in spring and summer and are dormant from late autumn and winter.
In South Africa, their growing season is from early September until March.
Propagation
Adenia are best propagated from seeds to ensure that the plant grows a caudex. Sow seeds as early as possible in spring. Sow in a medium-depth container in a mix of coco peat, perlite, and vermiculite and cover very lightly with sifted coco peat. Cover the container to preserve humidity. Keep the soil moist until two thirds of the seeds have germinated, thereafter reduce watering slightly, but never let the soil dry completely. Transplant into individual pots after 3-4 months, once seedlings are at least 5cm tall.
Adenia can be propagated from cuttings, but will not grow a caudex, so this is not advised.
