Origin and Natural Habitat
Cyphostemma juttae is native to Namibia.
Plants for sale are seed grown, not cuttings or propagations.
Plant Characteristics
Cyphostemma is an iconic caudiciform succulent, with an attractive aboveground stem and thick root system. The stem has a flaky appearance and produces dark green leaves in summer. If properly cared for, these plants can reach ages of up to 50+ years and 6 meters in height.
It is also known as the ‘kobas plant’ in Afrikaans.
Care Guide
Light
Cyphostemma prefer sunny conditions. They do not thrive in shady conditions and will elongate and possibly rot. In cultivation, they should therefore be kept under no more than 40% shade cloth. If they are being kept outdoors, but not in a greenhouse, then full sun is suitable.
Soil
Cyphostemma requires a very well-draining soil mixture with plenty of gritty components. A medium with akadama and pumice is preferred.
Water
In cultivation, Cyphostemma can be watered well during the warmer months, once it has grown its first leaves. However, keep completely dry in winter when it does not have leaves. Let the plant tell you when to water it: Water when it has leaves, keep it dry when it does not have leaves. This species is extremely prone to rot if it is watered when it is dormant.
Pot size
Cyphostemma can grow quite large caudexes, and their pot size should accommodate for this. For the first 2-3 years of life, a 10-12cm pot will be sufficient. As they grow older, plant this species in a pot that is 5cm wider than its caudex to accommodate new growth. Deep pots are preferred, as they will grow more vigorously if their roots have room to expand into the soil. This species can be grown as garden plants in summer rainfall regions, but care should be taken to provide good quality, well-draining soil.
Temperature
Cyphostemma ideal temperature ranges between 25 – 35°C. It can tolerate 5 – 40°C. Young plants are susceptible to frost damage to both their caudex and leaves. It can tolerate light frost when it is older. The caudex of older plants is semi-tolerant to frost, but the leaves are sensitive to cold.
Humidity
Cyphostemma are sensitive to humidity due to their semi-arid natural habitat, and particularly so when dormant. Make sure that your growing space has plenty of airflow.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during winter. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing season
Cyphostemma only grows in spring and summer, and is dormant in autumn and winter.
Propagation
Seed germination: 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 1 year.
Stem propagation: Using a sharp, clean knife, cut one of the stems of the Cyphostemma from the main stem. Let this dry for 10 days, then plant it. The best time to propagate is early spring.