The Stephania Erecta, commonly called the Living Fossil or the Caudex Plant, is among the plants that will attract the attention of any plant lover due to its interesting appearance. This stylish plant has what designers call a caudex – a tuberous base or bulb, shaped like a sculptural ornament, plus tender crisscross enations of heart-shaped leaves that will bring a hint of fairytales to any interior. Here, are the comprehensive directions about Stephania ErectaCare that will help your “Living Fossil” remain healthy and happy for many years.
Stephania Erecta originally belongs to Southeast Asia and it is typically a tropical plant. This slow-growing climbing plant is well known for its large caudex that supplies the plant with water and nutrients. The leaves are pennatula-shaped, small, and green in color and come from the top of its caudex, which gives it a touch of class.
Stephania Erecta Care
Light Requirements
Stephania erecta does best when given bright indirect light. Run from hot and straight sun which may scorch the leaves. Good lighting conditions are the south-facing window, which is fitted with sheer curtains, or ideally, an east-facing window.
Temperature and Humidity
It grows well in regions with warm climates with the ideal growing temperature ranging from 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Please do not take it near sharp temperature changes or drafts. The ideal relative humidity should fall between 50 percent to seventy percent. These plant care tips involve understanding the amount of humidity in the air, if the air is dry you’ll want to get a humidifier or place the plant on a pebble tray that contains water.
Soil and Potting Mix
Stephania Erecta does not like the root area to be waterlogged and therefore good drainage is encouraged. Select one of the succulent or cactus mixes or make your mixture by adding in the potting mix, perlite, and orchid bark to ensure good drainage and air circulation.
Watering and Feeding
Watering Schedule
This plant can easily be over-watered, and therefore an important factor to consider, while tending for it. Water your plants deeply only if the upper layer of soil is dry. During winter when plants are dormant, water sparingly.
Fertilization
Regarding feeding, Stephania Erecta should be fed lightly during its growing phase which is spring and summer, using diluted balanced fertilizer, once a month. Do not use fertilizer during winter as the plants go into a dormant phase during the winter.
Dormancy Period
Stephania Erecta, a vine type of plant, is a winter hardy plant and it becomes dormant in the winter months. This is a time for the plant to rest or at least slow its metabolic activities, especially in the process of photosynthesis. There also may be such phenomena as shedding or wilting which is quite in order.
Care During Dormancy
Limit the water greatly when the plant is not growing during the dormant period. The best spot for the plant should be in a warm place and exposed to indirect sunlight. Do not apply fertilizers and where their application is unavoidable minimally handle them.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning Techniques
Stephania Erecta does not need practiced pruning at all: it is enough for it to occasionally remove the wilting or faded blooms. Daily, and especially in the case of the potted plants, you may in some cases pinch off the dead or even the damaged leaves to keep the plant looking healthy.
Common Pests and Diseases
This paper reveals that the Stephania Erecta plant is most threatened by mealybugs and scale insects. Wash them with insecticide soap solution or neem oil solution. One unfavorable consequence of over-watering is root rot. Sufficient draining and the right watering procedures should be put into consideration.
Propagation Methods
Stephania Erecta completes its life cycle through seeds or a caudex division. Seed germination is comparatively slower than other methods, caudex division as a method yields results sooner but the plant has to be matured.
Styling and Display Ideas
Indoor Decor Inspiration
To display your Stephania Erecta, put the plant in a fancy hanging pot or put it on a shelf with sufficient lighting. The stem makes the unit itself stand out, which is sculptural seeing as it encourages conversation when placed in any room.
Companion Plants
Stephania Erecta complements the plants that require similar humidity levels and the same amount of bright and filtered light as Hoyas, Philodendron Atabapoense, and ZZ plants.
Benefits of having Stephania Erecta
Of course, the beauty of the Stephania Erecta is more than just skin deep as it has several uses. The shape is not unique but has a sculpted look to it, giving a playful feel to your decor. It has been known to possess the ability to purify the air in homes hence enhancing air quality inside the house.
Conclusion
This guide has provided information on the basic needs of water and light as well as the issue of dormancy and propagation of Stephania Erecta. If well taken care of, this ‘’Living Fossil’’ will remain the beauty and talking point of your indoor space for several years. It is best that you add this plant to your list of tropical plants like Amydrium Medium Silver inside your house and even watch it grow.
Where to Buy?
The Stephania Erecta can be obtained at plant stores or through stores over the Internet.
Is it difficult to care for Stephania’s erecta?
Stephania erecta doesn’t pose a great challenge still it has some rather defined requirements. The greatest threat is over-watering, which results in root rot. So, it can be quite a satisfying plant to grow if provided with water and light as well as if specific conditions of dormancy are considered.
How much light is required for Stephania erecta plant growth?
Stephania erecta has to be placed in bright light but not direct sunlight for 4-6 hours a day. Minimize exposure to the midday sun as it can burn the leaves or even the bulb. It is preferred that the windows face east or west.
How to wake up Stephanie Erecta?
Regarding the life cycle of Stephania erecta, it is a deciduous plant. It sheds its leaves in winter, and the plant becomes dormant. This is normal, when the plant is not actively growing, water much less frequently and locate it where it receives bright light, good air circulation, and humidity. In spring, water it more and give it more light to motivate the formation of new shoots.
How big does Stephania erecta Caudex get?
The caudex (bulb) of Stephania erecta can reach several inches in diameter in time with optimal care conditions. The size can also be affected by the age of the plant and the conditions under which it is grown.
