Adenia venenata

Native to seasonally dry regions of Africa and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula, this stunning caudiciform develops a swollen, bottle shaped trunk that stores water. Slender climbing vines carry lobed green leaves, creating a dramatic contrast with its sculptural base. A member of the passionflower family, it can shed its foliage during dormancy and resume growth when conditions improve.

☀️ Light
Provide very bright light with gentle direct sunlight. Acclimate gradually to stronger exposure, and protect the caudex from intense afternoon sun.

💧 Watering
Water thoroughly during active growth, allowing the soil to dry well between waterings. Reduce watering sharply when the leaves drop and keep nearly dry during dormancy.

🪴 Soil
Use a gritty, fast draining succulent mix with plenty of pumice, perlite, or coarse mineral material. Avoid dense mixes that remain wet.

🌱 Fertilizing
Feed monthly during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do not fertilize while dormant.

🔄 Repotting
Repot at the beginning of active growth when the roots fill the container. Choose a pot slightly larger with drainage holes, and maintain the existing planting depth.