Prized exotic pachycaul succulent from the island of Socotra. The thick, roughly conical pale green to brownish main stem may reach 2 feet wide and 5 feet tall, though almost never anywhere near those dimensions in cultivation. This stem has a lot of branches, each topped by thick, deciduous leaves and the weird extraterrestrial-looking flowers that are characteristic of the genus.

This plant is uncommon in cultivation, especially compared to other Dorstenia species and hybrids. Like them, it requires excellent drainage, strong light, warmth, and more frequent water in summer during active growth. It may enjoy some winter water (carefully spaced out) in order to maintain root health. It may be significantly more demanding about light than other Dorstenias. It does not tolerate winter temperatures below about 55°F (otherwise there is risk of rot) and does very little actual growing until temperatures get into the 80s during the day. Some people keep these plants in hothouses to give them the warmth they crave and extend the growing season.

This plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings, which require time and patience to root and may not lead to the same stout form.

Reply to this comment