2-4cm Petopentia natalensis

Product Description

• Origin: Native to the Natal region of South Africa (now KwaZulu-Natal), adapted to dry, rocky outcrops and savanna grasslands with seasonal rainfall.
• Growth: Develops a large, fleshy tuberous caudex (up to 10 inches/25cm diameter) at the base. Slender, twining vines reach 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4m) long; leaves are glossy green on top, deep purple beneath, and oval-shaped—creating a vivid color contrast.
• Flowers: Blooms in summer with small, star-shaped cream to pale yellow flowers clustered at vine nodes. Flowers emit a subtle, sweet fragrance and are followed by slender seed pods that add ornamental interest.
• Light: Thrives in bright direct to indirect light (4-5 hours daily). Full sun enhances leaf color contrast; insufficient light causes vines to become leggy and reduces purple undersides vibrancy.
• Watering: Water moderately during active growth (spring-summer)—let soil dry completely between waterings. Reduce to rare watering in winter (dormancy); overwatering leads to tuber rot.
• Soil & Potting: Use well-draining mix of cactus soil + pumice + orchid bark (3:2:1 ratio). Plant caudex with 1/3 exposed above soil; choose a deep pot to accommodate tuber growth and trailing vines.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 9-11. Tolerates brief temperatures down to 32°F (0°C); protect from frost and keep indoors in colder climates.