Stephania pierrei

Stephania erecta is a rare and collectable vining caudiciform plant. The bulb, or caudex looks kind of like a potato or jicima. As a houseplant, we recommend planting about halfway into the soil and allowing the caudex to be on display. When planted, this rare plant will break dormancy and display a flush of parasol-shaped leaves along creeping vines. Allow the vines to cascade down, or train them up a trellis. You’ll receive one dormant Stephania erecta caudex, from 3 to 4″ in diameter, PLUS a pretty planter pot made from natural, bio-degradable rice hulls and water-soluble binding agents. Each one is a bit different, so expect variation from the photos. When you receive your dormant caudex plant it in well draining soil with the top half of the caudex exposed. The bottom of the caudex has an “X” drawn on it. Water your Stephania erecta when the soil is dry. This plant will not tolerate over-watering. Stephania erecta wants bright, indirect light and good humidity. You can place an open plastic bag around the caudex to raise the humidity to encourage growth. Once you see growth, make sure not to place your plant in direct sunlight. This will burn the leaves and caudex.

Resilient in nature and forgiving to neglect, this caudiciform from Southeast Asia develops into a stunning specimen and with a little pruning is contained enough for the windowsill garden. As the caudex matures, it develops furrows and an undulating structure with the vining stems and heart shaped leaves emerging from the crown. If allowed to ramble, it will climb any nearby structure often with great vigor but it can be restrained by judicious pruning. Under dry cool conditions, it can be deciduous in the winter although when grown in warm temperatures, it remains evergreen. A most interesting tropical container plant for those who enjoy the unusual.