Fockea edulis – Caudiciform Succulent with Twisting Vines

Fockea edulis – Caudiciform Succulent with Twisting Vines

Fockea edulis is a fascinating caudiciform plant native to South Africa, admired for its swollen, water-storing tuber and its delicate, twining vines. It thrives in arid conditions, making it an excellent choice for succulent collectors. Its tuber can grow significantly over time, forming an intriguing, sculptural shape.

Distinctive Features

• Swollen Caudex: The plant develops a large, knobby, underground tuber that serves as a water reservoir, making it highly drought-tolerant.
• Twisting Vines: Delicate, twining stems extend from the caudex, often needing support for climbing.
• Small Green Flowers: Produces inconspicuous yet fragrant greenish-white flowers that attract pollinators.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light to full sun for healthy growth.
• Water: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
• Humidity: Adaptable to different humidity levels but prefers drier conditions.
• Media: Requires well-draining, gritty soil to prevent rot.
• Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures but should be protected from frost.
• Fertiliser: Feed sparingly with a diluted succulent fertiliser during the growing season.
• Repotting: Rarely needed, but can be repotted to showcase the caudex.

Additional Notes

• Slow-growing but can develop an impressive caudex over the years.
• Non-toxic but should not be ingested, as it contains latex sap.

Fockea edulis is a striking succulent that combines an ornamental caudex with climbing vines, making it a unique addition to any collection. Its resilience and ability to store water make it well-suited for dry environments, where it thrives with minimal care.