Dorstenia Gigas
Dorstenia gigas is a rare and unique succulent from the Socotra Island in Yemen. It belongs to the Moraceae (fig) family and is known for its thick, caudex-like trunk and unusual, alien-looking flowers.
🌿 Key Features of Dorstenia Gigas
- Caudex Growth – Thick, swollen trunk for water storage.
- Weird, Star-Shaped Flowers – Unlike traditional flowers, they are small and have an odd, almost prehistoric appearance.
- Drought-Tolerant – Thrives in arid conditions with minimal water.
- Slow-Growing – Takes years to develop a thick trunk and mature form.
Taking care of Dorstenia gigas requires a balance of warmth, light, and well-draining soil, similar to other succulent plants. Here’s a detailed care guide:
🌞 Light Requirements for Dorstenia Gigas
- Prefers bright, indirect sunlight to full sun.
- If grown indoors, place near a south-facing window or use grow lights.
- Avoid prolonged direct afternoon sun in extremely hot climates.
💧 Watering of Dorstenia Gigas
- Water sparingly – allow the soil to completely dry out between watering.
- During its active growing season (spring & summer), water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
- Reduce watering in fall and winter when it enters dormancy.
- Overwatering can cause root rot, so be cautious.
🺠Soil & Potting of Dorstenia Gigas
- Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix.
- Add perlite, pumice, or sand for extra drainage.
- A terracotta pot with drainage holes is ideal.
ðŸŒ¡ï¸ Temperature & Humidity for Dorstenia Gigas
- Prefers warm temperatures (65-85°F or 18-29°C).
- Not frost-hardy! Keep above 50°F (10°C) at all times.
- Low humidity is ideal; avoid excessive moisture around the roots.
🌿 Fertilizing
- During the growing season, use a diluted succulent fertilizer (half-strength) once a month.
- Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant is dormant.
🌱 Propagation
- Can be propagated by seeds, but growth is very slow.
- Seeds should be sown in a well-draining mix and kept warm (~75-80°F or 24-27°C).
- Takes patience, as seedlings develop slowly.
🛑 Common Issues
⌠Overwatering → Leads to root rot.
⌠Too much shade → Slows growth and weakens the plant.
⌠Cold temperatures → Can cause stress or damage.
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