4-5cm Stephania pierrei

Product Description

• Origin: Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Thailand (where it’s associated with the Sukhothai historical site) and neighboring countries, adapted to well-drained soils in forest edges and rocky clearings.
• Growth: Develops a distinctive large, disk-shaped caudex (up to 16 inches/40cm diameter) that grows partially above ground. Slender, twining vines reach 6-10 feet (1.8-3m) long; leaves are glossy green, heart-shaped, and grow in clusters along the vines—creating a striking contrast with the thick caudex.
• Flowers: Blooms in summer with small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers clustered at vine nodes. While flowers are not showy, they add subtle charm, and mature plants (5+ years) bloom more reliably in optimal conditions.
• Light: Thrives in bright indirect to partial direct light (4-5 hours daily). Avoid intense midday sun, which can scorch leaves; ideal for east-facing windows indoors or shaded spots in outdoor gardens.
• Watering: Water moderately during active growth (spring-summer)—let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter (semi-dormancy); overwatering leads to tuber rot, especially in poorly drained soil.
• Soil & Potting: Use well-draining mix of cactus soil + perlite + orchid bark (3:2:1 ratio). Plant caudex with 1/2 exposed above soil; choose a wide, shallow pot to accommodate its flattened shape and trailing vines.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 10-12. Thrives in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C); cannot tolerate frost—keep indoors or in a heated greenhouse in zones below 10.