To truly help me thrive, you must first understand where I come from. My origins lie in the arid, sun-drenched regions of sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. This means I am fundamentally a xerophytic plant, built for survival in harsh, dry conditions. My most distinctive feature, my large, swollen caudex, is not just for show; it is a water storage organ that allows me to endure long periods of drought. My physiology is geared towards conserving water, which is the most critical concept to grasp for my care in the USA, especially in non-desert climates.
My relationship with the sun is absolute. I require a minimum of six to eight hours of direct, bright sunlight daily to grow compactly, flower profusely, and maintain overall health. A south or west-facing window is ideal for indoor living. During the warm summer months, I relish being outdoors in full sun. However, I am extremely sensitive to cold. My cells are not frost-tolerant. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) cause me stress, and any exposure to freezing temperatures will be fatal. I must be brought indoors well before the first autumn frost in most parts of the USA and kept in a warm, sunny spot until all danger of frost has passed in the spring.
Watering is where most of my caretakers err. The mantra is: "When in doubt, dry out." My watering needs are directly tied to the season and temperature. During my active growing season in the hot summer, you can water me thoroughly once the soil has completely dried out. Ensure any excess water can drain freely from the pot. In the winter, when I am dormant (often losing some leaves), you must drastically reduce watering. In cool indoor conditions, I may only need a small sip of water once a month or even less to keep my caudex from shriveling excessively. Overwatering, especially in cool weather, will quickly lead to root rot and my demise.
I demand a home that replicates my native, well-draining soil. Standard potting soil will suffocate my roots and hold too much moisture. You must provide me with a very porous, fast-draining mix. A perfect blend is one part cactus/succulent potting mix amended with one part perlite or pumice and one part coarse sand. The pot is equally important. Always choose a pot with ample drainage holes. Terracotta pots are excellent for me because they are porous and allow the soil to dry out more quickly, helping to prevent root rot.
I am not a heavy feeder, but I benefit from light, regular fertilization during my active growth period (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength or a fertilizer specifically formulated for succulents and cacti. Please cease feeding me entirely in the fall and winter when I am not growing. Pruning is beneficial for shaping my form and encouraging a bushier growth habit with more branches, which leads to more flowers. The best time to prune me is in early spring, just as I am coming out of dormancy. Always use clean, sharp tools, as I exude a sap that can be irritating to skin and eyes.
