Scientific Name — Fockea edulis
Common Name(s) — Hottentot Bread
Plant Family — Asclepiadaceae
Background
Fockea edulis is an unusual plant that comes from South Africa and Namibia, where the dry savannah and rocky slopes house its huge, water-retaining caudex.
The plant’s fat, twisted root is often lifted above the soil by collectors to give the impression that it is actually a miniature, wide-trunked tree. Semi-deciduous, Fockea edulis sheds leaves in the winter and relies on stored water for a semi-dormant period. Then, come late summer, it bursts forth with green-copper flowers.
Growth Requirements
Sun
Hottentot Bread does best in filtered sun, 4 to 5 hours a day. Avoid intense afternoon sun by sheltering this plant beneath the limbs of a larger plant or placing it in the shadow of a sheer curtain.
Grow outdoors in light shade or indoors in a sunny window with southern exposure.
Temperature/ Humidity
Fockea edulis prefers warm temperatures in the 70s and 80s. It can become stressed if left in conditions of extreme temperatures or intense sun.
These plants are not cold-hardy. If grown outdoors, migrate them to a sunny spot indoors when nighttime temperatures drop below 55 ºF.
Water
Native to arid and sub-tropical climates, Fockea edulis is a drought-tolerant plant. Water when the soil dries out in the summer and only infrequently during the winter. The soil should be allowed to dry out entirely before watering thoroughly.
If the caudex starts to shrivel up, Fockea edulis is thirsty.
Soil/Roots
Fockea edulis prefers a sandy, sharply draining mix. Cacti or succulent potting mix is great.
You can amend a regular potting soil with sand or pumice up to 50% to improve grittiness and drainage.
Flowering
Fockea edulis produces green flowers with copper centers that are lightly scented, most often during late summer. They are pollinated by fruit flies.
Fertilization
Hottentot Bread does not require fertilizer, though it can be added to give container-grown plants a boost or to supplement poor soil. Apply a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer monthly, diluted at half strength.
Propagation
Fockea edulis is most successfully propagated from seed. Cuttings sometimes work, but are usually hit and miss.
Health
Diseases and Pests
Fockea edulis is attractive to mealybugs, so keep an eye out for fuzzy white specks in caudex folds.
Root rot can also be a concern and is triggered by overwatering. Always err on the side of underwatering.
Maintenance (pruning, legginess, repotting)
Little maintenance is required to grow these plants.
Fockea edulis loves to be rootbound in a pot. Once planted, it will be happy in the same pot for several years. Repot at most once every two to three years.
Toxicity
Fockea edulis is a traditional food source for native populations in South Africa. However, a lengthy and complicated process is required to remove alkaloids and render the fruit edible.
It should not be consumed by animals or humans.
FAQs
Why is the caudex of my Fockea edulis shriveling up?
The Fockea edulis stores water in the caudex, making its appearance a great indicator of how much or how little moisture it has stored. If yours is starting to shrivel, that’s a good indicator that it is time to water your plant. Just take care not to respond to every wrinkle by watering to avoid root rot.
Why is my Fockea edulis dropping leaves?
Hottentot Bread naturally goes semi-dormant in winter. It is not uncommon for leaves to drop off at that time, and for fresh growth to appear when the plant resumes activity.
How can I control mealybugs on my Fockea edulis?
Staying ahead of the problem is best. Inspect the folds of the caudex and the leaves regularly. As soon as you spot mealybugs, pick or wipe them off before they multiply. Tula’s BUGOUT spray can help keep infestations under control.
