Stephania Caudex

Stephania

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Stephania is an exclusive and eye-catching houseplant, known for its large, round tuber (caudex) and fine, round leaves on thin, winding stems. It almost looks like something out of a fantasy world and has become popular in modern interior design.

Characteristics

Round, woody tuber that sits on top of the ground
Thin twining tendrils
Small, almost perfectly round leaves
Grows slowly, but very characterful

The plant stores water in the tuber, making it quite drought tolerant.

Location

Stephania wants plenty of light - but not harsh midday sun.

Best:

Bright window with indirect sun.
Morning or evening sun is fine
Can be in direct sun in winter

Avoid:

Dark locations (gives long, lanky shoots)
Cold window sills in winter

Watering

A common mistake here - Stephania should be treated more like a succulent than a regular houseplant.

Water sparingly
Let the soil dry out completely between waterings
In winter (or if it loses its leaves): hardly water

Important: Too much water can cause the tuber to rot.

Soil

Very well-drained soil
Cactus or succulent soil is perfect
Pot with a hole in the bottom is a must

Temperature

Thrives best at 18-28°C
Do not expose to cold below approx. 12-15°C

Hibernation period

Stephania often goes dormant, especially in winter:

Leaves may wilt and fall off - this is normal
Stop watering almost completely
Keep it in a bright and dry place
When new shoots appear in spring, gently start watering again

Fertilizer

Weak fertilizer once a month during the growing season
No fertilizer during the dormant season

Care and tips

Give it something to climb on (hanger or small trellis)
Turn the pot regularly for even growth
Don't touch the tuber too much - it can be damaged by shocks