{"product_id":"ipomoea-kituiensis","title":"Ipomoea kituiensis","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eA rare perennial morning glory native to seasonally dry regions of eastern and southern Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It develops thick, tuberous roots that store water and may form an attractive caudex-like base as the plant matures. Its vigorous, softly hairy stems can grow upright or climb up to approximately 20 feet when provided with support. The plant produces large, heart-shaped to kidney-shaped leaves that may occasionally develop a shallowly divided tip. Mature specimens produce clusters of funnel-shaped flowers measuring approximately 2 to 3 inches long. The flowers may be white, cream, or pale yellow, often featuring a contrasting purple center. Its unusual tuberous growth, substantial foliage, and colorful flowers make it a fascinating choice for collectors of African caudiciforms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e☀️ Light\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide bright light with several hours of direct morning or late-afternoon sun. Mature, acclimated plants can tolerate full sun, but protect younger plants from intense afternoon sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e💧 Water\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater thoroughly during active growth, allowing the soil to dry substantially between waterings. Reduce watering when growth slows or the foliage begins to yellow. Keep the tuberous roots nearly dry during dormancy, particularly when temperatures are cool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌱 Soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a porous, fast-draining cactus or succulent mixture amended with pumice, perlite, or coarse mineral grit. A container with unobstructed drainage holes is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌡️ Temperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIpomoea kituiensis prefers temperatures between 65°F and 90°F. Protect it from temperatures below 50°F and avoid all exposure to frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e💦 Humidity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAverage household humidity is suitable. Provide good airflow, particularly during cool weather and dormancy, to reduce the risk of fungal problems and root rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌿 Fertilizer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApply a diluted, balanced fertilizer approximately once a month during active growth. Discontinue fertilizing when the plant becomes dormant or loses its leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✂️ Growth and Maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a sturdy trellis or frame for the long climbing stems. Prune excessive growth as needed to maintain a manageable size. Avoid disturbing the tuberous roots unnecessarily and increase their exposure gradually if displaying them above the soil.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sherman Nursery","offers":[{"title":"4 inch","offer_id":47448362549421,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0683\/0060\/3565\/files\/A9A8A1DD-209B-4AD9-A983-ECF772BFD736_1_201_a.jpg?v=1789006661","url":"https:\/\/sarahcottaplants.com\/products\/ipomoea-kituiensis","provider":"SarahCotta Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}