Stephania erecta (Caudex Plant)

Botanical & Common Names
- Botanical name: Stephania erecta
- Common names: Caudex Plant

Background & Origin
Stephania erecta is a fascinating caudiciform plant native to Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia. It grows from a large woody caudex — a swollen stem base used for water storage — from which delicate vining stems and round lily pad-like leaves emerge during the growing season. In its natural habitat, it experiences distinct wet and dry periods, entering dormancy during drier months before resprouting with warmth and moisture.

Care Level
- Care level: Easy
- Suitable for beginners: Yes!

What It Loves
- Bright warm spot
- Letting the compost dry out

What It Dislikes
- Overwatering or sitting in soggy soil
- Dark spots will cause legginess

Best Rooms for This Plant
- Bedroom
- Living room
- Office
- Conservatory

Growth Potential
- Typical height indoors: 90 cm in height
- Typical spread: Up to 18 cm wide bulb
- Growth rate: Quick in spring and summer
- Pruning required: None till it dies back

Is This Plant Right for You?
This plant is a great choice if you:
- Love unusual, sculptural collector plants
- Enjoy watching seasonal growth emerge from dormancy
- Want a minimalist plant with delicate trailing foliage

Light
- Best light: Bright warm spot with direct sunlight
- Avoid: dark shady spot

Watering
- Frequency: Water when soil is almost completely dry,
- Seasonal note: Reduce watering in winter when growth slows to almost none.

Humidity
- Prefers: No humidity
- Extra humidity helpful?: These plants are native to arid conditions and do not require humidity.

Feeding
- Feed with: A balanced houseplant fertiliser
- Frequency: 3 times during growing season during spring and summer. No feeding is needed during autumn and winter.

Toxicity
- Pet safe: No
- Notes: Keep out of reach of pets and small children to avoid damage.

Repotting
- How often: Once every 2-3 year
- Signs it’s needed: Roots growing out of the drainage holes, slower growth, or soil drying very quickly. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering.