Plant with caudex - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Jatropha berlandieri, commonly known as Jatropha Buddah Belly, is native to Texas and Mexico. It is an evergreen perennial shrub that makes an ideal low-growing groundcover, growing up to a maximum of two feet in height. It has an ornamental foliage and its poppy-red, crimson and vinous flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

This plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11 and is tolerant of seaside and salt conditions. As it is drought-tolerant, moderate watering and well-draining soil should be provided. A mulch around the base of the plant helps to keep in moisture and control weeds.

In colder regions, the plant can be grown in pots. These should be moved indoors during the winter months to avoid the risk of frost and keep the soil more moist than in its outdoor environment.

It's important to note that the sap of this plant can be irritating to the skin so great care must be taken when handling this jatropha.

Jatropha berlandieri is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow, but with its low-stress needs comes a long lifespan. With the right care and attention, this plant can thrive for years to come.

Can be grown in USDA Zones 9-11.

This semi-shady plant needs regular water, moderate water is optimal to keep it happy and healthy. Keep in mind that the soil have to have good drainage and try to keep the roots slightly dry, never let the caudex stay moist or they can rot. In cold regions, bring the pot indoors during colder months or cover it with some insulating material. On a bright spot and with a regular watering routine it will last until outdoor temperatures rise again.

Ipomoea platensis also know as Plata Ipomoea is a joy to look at and can be grown even in the most limiting conditions. Its swollen caudex, typical for caudiciforms, will during winter develop a stunning shade of dark plum. Even when natural sun-light conditions are given, a little bit of semi-shade will help it thrive to its fullest. The main highlight of the plant are the delicate pink bell-shaped flowers that give it a unique charm. it can be kept in a pot as a bonsai and is easy to control as a container specimen, just needs a little trellis, otr can be pruned.

In cooler climates, Brachychiton rupestris can be grown in a pot if it is kept in a sunny position and watered regularly. The soil should be well drained and a slow release fertilizer applied in spring. If the temperature drops below zero, the pot can be moved to a sheltered area or moved indoors. The plant should be kept in a bright and sunny location, but sheltered from the wind. The pot should be watered regularly during the growing season and fertilized every few months. In winter, the plant should be kept dry and only watered occasionally. Pruning can be done to shape and maintain the size of the plant and to remove any dead or damaged branches. With careful attention, the bottle tree can be used as a Bonsai specimen. The bottle shaped trunk may start to be noticeable at around 5-8 years of age. The bell-shaped flowers are yellowish in clusters at the ends of the branches but are not especially conspicuous. The flowers are followed by seed capsules which contain many large seeds.

Overall, the Queensland Bottle Tree is an attractive, unusual and easy to grow plant.

This very rare unusual succulent from Madagascar has spectacular yellow flowers with black centers and soft velvet leaves, pleasant to touch. Uncarina peltata is quite rare and not the easiest subject. Grows in well-drained soil, and unlike many succulents, prefers lots of water along with full sun. Forms large caudex.

The plant goes dormant in winter and stays leafless during dormancy.

Pelargonium ferulaceum, commonly known as carrot-leaf pelargonium, is a compact, semi-succulent shrub native to arid regions of southern Africa, valued for its finely divided, bright green foliage and thickened trunk. It typically grows to about 1 to 2 feet tall in containers, forming a small, bonsai-like structure with a distinctly swollen, succulent stem and a loose canopy of deeply cut leaves that resemble parsley or carrot foliage, giving the plant a light, textured appearance.

This species prefers full sun to bright light and well-drained, sandy soil, with moderate watering and good drying between cycles to prevent root rot. It grows at a moderate pace and responds well to pruning, which helps maintain a compact shape. Small, understated flowers may appear in warm conditions, though foliage and trunk form remain the main ornamental features. Suitable for USDA zones 10 to 11, it is frost-sensitive and should be protected below about 35 F. It performs well in containers and is often chosen by collectors for its unusual caudiciform base.

Sinningia sp. (Siningia) is a plant native to Brazil that thrives in USDA Zones 8-12. Its caudex consists of thick, cylindrical roots that resemble a bonsai-like growth giving an attractive appearance to the groundcover. It stands about 2 ft. (60 cm) tall and its mature foliage becomes large and lustrous. It behaves differently in regions with cooler climates; the caudex of Sinningia sp. remains dormant during winter and its foliage is shed, while it is active during the warmer months.

In its natural habitats, Sinningia sp. is borne on bushes growing in semi-shade. Its colorful blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and come in a range of colors from pink, white, off-white, blue, lavender, purple, red, crimson and vinous. Its regular water requirements keep it looking lush and extend the period during which it flowers.

Sinningia sp. is a wonderful addition to any garden in regions that experience a temperate climate. It prefers to be potted in sandy, well-drained soils and should receive ample shade. In cold regions, it should be stored in an unheated garage (with temperatures between 7-13 degrees Celsius) during the winter months. It should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid waterlogging, fungus, and plant diseases. As Sinningia sp. prefers full sunlight or semi-shade, container plants should receive either by being placed outside or kept in a well-lit space. If grown in a pot, it is necessary to repot periodically to ensure the soil remains vibrant, aerated, and loose. The plant also requires regular fertilization to ensure it remains healthy and flowers abundantly.

Overall, Sinningia sp. is a rewarding species native to Brazil that is easy to care for and keeps gardens vibrant with its colorful flowers. Its attractive caudex growth and exceedingly hardy nature make it desirable for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant groundcover plant.

Turbina holubii, native to South Africa, is a small shrub that grows 2 to 5 feet in height. It is best suited to sunny or semi-shade sites with moderate water. The plant produces a caudex (thickened stem) that can reach 18 inches in diameter and has branches that can lay flat on the ground, reaching up to 80 inches. The buff-green to olive green leaves of Turbina holubii are deciduous and vary in shape from ovate to cordate to circular and oblong cordate. In the summer months this plant produces mauve or pink flowers, sometimes darker in the centre. On rare occasions, white flowered plants may be spotted.

Turbina holubii is suitable for growing outdoors within USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. In colder climates, it is possible to grow Turbina holubii in a pot. The soil should be well-draining and it should be kept moderately moist. When potted, the caudex should not be allowed to become completely dry. The roots should be kept cool with the shade and the shrub should be kept in a relatively low light, sheltered area. Additionally, the plant should be kept away from strong winds, which can dry it out quickly, as well as protect it from frost. When exposed to temperatures below freezing, the foliage may become damaged and possibly die as a result. To prevent such damage, potted plants should be brought indoors and placed in a sunny location near a window during cooler months. With adequate warmth, light and care, Turbina holubii will bring a sparkling bloom to the home or garden.

A shrub or small tree, widespreading, with a very short, thick, trunk. Develops a swollen trunk, and can be a spectacular specimen. Flower is small, creamy white, borne on long stalks, may be clustered or solitary. Bark is tight and smooth, very attractive, reddish brown and peeling to reveal gray-green. Drought deciduous. Leaves have distinct citrus odor when crushed. Great ready bonsai! The fruit is brown maturing in late fall. The seeds are red, and germinate quite easily. The dried sap of some of the species sold as frankincense.

Originating from the high humidity of Sulawesi, Indonesia, Lecanopteris celebica (Ant Fern) is a unique and beautiful fern with lush, ornamental foliage. It is a small plant, typically growing between 2 and 5 ft tall and is an interesting conversation piece for any garden. As a tropical epiphyte, it requires warm temperatures, high humidity, and access to partial shade or even semi-shade - and it loves to live in trees or on logs.

This unique fern has an interesting addition to its anatomy, that being hollow caudexs which ants use to live and thrive in. These ants are considered symbiotic to the plant and help with pollinating, eating and removing pests, and providing nutrients to the soil.

The Lecanopteris celebica is hardy in zones 9-11, making it suitable to be grown outdoors in many areas. Proper care is important, though. This plant must be kept moist and heavily misted to replicate its natural environment. If you live in an area with a cooler climate, you can still grow it in a pot indoors or outdoors. Some protection must be provided to shield it from the cold, and a humidifier can help replicate the humidity of its native environment. It should be kept away from direct sunlight and its soil should be changed about once a year.

Overall, if you live in the proper climate, or have the resources to provide proper care and protection from the cold, this unique and vibrant fern is a great addition to any garden or indoor setup. Its unique caudex is sure to be a conversation starter, and with proper care and attention, it's sure to bring a slice of tropical paradise to your living space.