Stephania Erecta

Stephania Erecta

Stephania erecta is a tuberous plant native to Thailand and Southeast Asia, well-loved for its round caudex (the bulb-like base) and elegant vining foliage. It’s especially popular as a decorative houseplant due to its sculptural appearance and exotic aesthetic.

Here’s a full care guide for Stephania erecta:

🌿 Stephania erecta – Care Guide

🔆 Light

• Prefers bright, indirect light.

• Avoid direct sun on the caudex—it can scorch easily.

• Indoors: a south- or east-facing window with filtered light is ideal.

• Grow lights work well if natural light is insufficient.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Likes warm, humid environments.

• Optimal temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F).

• Avoid cold: Do not expose below 15°C (59°F).

• Enjoys humidity but tolerates average indoor levels. Optional: use a pebble tray or humidifier during dry seasons.

🪴 Soil for Stephania Erecta

• Needs very well-draining soil to prevent tuber rot.

• Recommended mix:

  • 50% perlite or pumice

  • 25% coarse sand

  • 25% light organic matter (e.g. coco coir or peat)

💧 Watering Your Stephania Erecta

• Water sparingly.

• During growing season (spring–summer): water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry.

• During dormancy (fall–winter): water very minimally or not at all until new growth reappears.

• Never let the caudex sit in wet soil.

🍂 Dormancy

• Deciduous: loses leaves and enters dormancy in fall or winter.

• Stop watering during this phase. Resume when new sprouts emerge in spring.

• Don’t discard it—it’s not dead!

🌿 Fertilizing

• Fertilize lightly during active growth.

• Use a diluted balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) once a month.

• No feeding during dormancy.

✂️ Pruning / Training

• Vines can be trained on a small trellis or hoop.

• Prune lightly to encourage bushier growth if needed.

🪻 Potting & Display

• Use a shallow, wide pot with drainage to highlight the caudex.

• You can let the caudex sit half above soil for aesthetic appeal and to avoid rot.

• Repot every 2–3 years or if outgrowing its container.

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Occasionally affected by:

  • Spider mites

  • Mealybugs

• Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

• Overwatering is the most common problem—causes tuber rot.

🌱 Growing from Tuber

When starting from a dormant tuber:

1. Place on top of moist soil, with the flat side down.

2. Keep warm and humid (use a dome or bag).

3. Wait patiently—sprouting can take 3–8 weeks.

4. Do not water heavily until green shoots appear.

The Stephania erecta, also known as Elephant Foot Plant, is a tuberous plant from Thailand that can be identified by a large, woody bulb known as a caudex. The caudex will sprout multiple tall, slender, straight stalks as it grows.  Over the past few years, the relatively rare Stephania erecta plant has exploded in popularity due to the fact that it really does look like a potato and b) it is moderately easy to care for…

Within twenty years, the species was reclassified as Stephania pierrei, honouring French botanist, Jean Baptiste Louis Pierre. The original specific epithet, erecta, refers to the pointed branches that emerge from a dormant caudex. The species has natural distributions across Cambodia, Laos, Thailand & Vietnam.