6-8cm Gerrardanthus macrorhizus

Product Description

• Origin: Native to southeastern Africa, including South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, adapted to dry, rocky hillsides and savanna woodlands.
• Growth: A caudiciform succulent with a large, round, woody caudex (up to 12 inches/30cm diameter). Slender, twining vines reach 10-15 feet (3-4.5m) long; leaves are silvery-green, heart-shaped, and fuzzy—giving it the "silver leaf" nickname.
• Flowers: Blooms in summer with small, greenish-yellow, bell-shaped flowers on vine nodes. Flowers are subtle but complement the silvery foliage; mature plants (6+ years) bloom more reliably.
• Light: Thrives in bright direct to indirect light (5-6 hours daily). Full sun intensifies leaf silvering; partial shade is ideal in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch.
• Watering: Water moderately during active growth (spring-summer)—let soil dry completely between waterings. Reduce to rare watering in winter (dormancy); overwatering causes caudex rot.
• Soil & Potting: Use well-draining mix of cactus soil + pumice + coarse sand (3:2:1 ratio). Plant caudex with 1/2 exposed above soil; choose a deep, stable pot to support its weight.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 9-11. Tolerates brief temps down to 32°F (0°C); protect from frost and keep indoors in colder climates.