Caudiciform Plant Care: A Practical Guide with Expert Tips for a Healthy Caudex

A mini-guide to caring for your succulent plants in a practical and simple way…focused, moreover, on the caudiciform plants (those that develop a caudex or thickened trunk to store water and reserves).

Succulent plants are a favorite species for plant lovers who have little time to care for them. The caudiciformes are part of this large group and stand out for their sculptural aesthetic: a prominent caudex from which stems and leaves sprout, often seasonal.

They are very hardy species, adapting to very poor soils and surviving with very little care… and that sometimes makes us trust more than we should.In caudiciform plants, overwatering or poor drainage can be especially serious because the caudex tissue is very sensitive to rot.

We're telling you this from experience. We've seen more than one case where a client has come to us with a succulent that was in poor health, sometimes due to overwatering and other times (although you may find it hard to believe) due to a lack of water. With caudex, the irrigation rhythm should always follow its growth and rest cycle..

And, like all plants, succulents need specific care. Care that we are going to explain to you in this post, adding the key nuances for caudiciforms.

Here we'll look at the keys to keeping your succulents strong and healthy. Furthermore, since each species is unique and has specific needs, At the end of the post we also give you the keys to caring for some of the most popular species. (including several emblematic caudiciforms).

Ready? Let's go.

The 6 keys to caring for your succulents

Succulents are plants from warm climates.

And that means that when we import them into our area, we often have to keep them as indoor plants.

But don't worry, because these tips that we are going to see will help you whether you have them in a pot inside the house (or in the office) as if you have planted them in the garden.

1. Little water is better than too much

You probably already know this, but a reminder isn't a bad idea. As we mentioned, succulents come from warm, and often dry, climates (except for some native to tropical areas). This means that they are plants accustomed to taking advantage of every last drop of water..

If you water them too much, you risk drowning the roots and causing them to rot, or even causing fungus to appear. As always, each species has its own needs, but as general guidelines:

• In the cold months, watering them once every two weeks or so will be enough.
• In summer we can increase the frequency to once a week.

Or even easier: water until the substrate is well soaked, and water again when it has completely dried (you can use the stick trick. Stick a wooden stick in, and if it comes out clean, it's time to water). In caudiciform plants, respect the dormancy: if the plant has dropped leaves and stopped growing, reduce watering to a minimum..

Now, remember what we told you at the beginning of this post: Just because they're resilient doesn't mean they can survive without water. If you forget about them, they can also die from dehydration (we've seen it more than once).

2. Good drainage will save you a lot of trouble

This is also essential. We often think that overwatering is what harms our plants, but that's not exactly the case. The real risk is in the accumulation of water.

And that happens when we water without leaving room for the substrate to dry out... or when the substrate or container we are using does not drain well. If you plant them in a pot, be sure to use a pot with drainage holesTerracotta pots are ideal for beginners because they help the substrate dry faster. For caudiciform plants, use wide, shallow pots that encourage shallow roots..

If you have planted them in the garden, from time to time make sure that the soil has not become compacted (and that the soil is not too clayey).

3. Avoid sprayers

You already know that, for many plants, wet leaves are detrimental. Humidity is a breeding ground for many varieties of fungi, and this is especially true for succulents. Always water the substrate directly.

When you water them, focus on wetting the substrate and keeping the leaves dry. You can water by immersion by placing the pot in a saucer of water and removing it when the surface of the substrate is moist.Only if your species is tropical and tolerates it, spray lightly, but when in doubt, it's best to keep the leaves dry.

4. Let them sunbathe

Another very common mistake among those inexperienced with succulents. You might think that, because they come from desert climates, succulents love direct sunlight. This isn't true. If you leave them exposed to too much intense light, you run the risk of them drying out., mostly in summer.

The idea is to plant them in a brightly lit area of the house (or garden), but keep them in semi-shade during the hottest hours of the day. A tip: if you notice the leaves drying out, becoming brittle, and turning brown, that's a sign you're overdoing it. Avoid the magnifying glass effect of window glass, which can cause burns during hours of intense sunlight.

5. Don't overfill it with nutrients (use a poor substrate)

It seems unbelievable, right? For most plants, we need to provide nutrient-rich soil to ensure their growth. But with succulents, it's almost the opposite. These plants are accustomed to very arid terrains, which is why they are ideal for rockeries.

If you plant them in pots and don't want to take any risks, the simplest option is to use a specific substrate for succulents, which has the right amount of nutrients they need (and this way you can ensure that the water drains properly). For caudiciforms, a 50% organic mixture (composted soil and some humus) and 50% inorganic (river sand, perlite, pumice) works very well..

6. Be careful with woodlice

With mealybugs, snails and red spiders, to be more precise.These are the three biggest enemies your succulent can face. If you keep them indoors, it's less likely, but you still need to be vigilant.

• Whitish, sticky lumps on stems, looking like cotton (mealybug nests).
• A fine web covering the leaves and stems, with yellowish and brown spots (red spider attack).
• Bite marks on leaves (signature of snails).

In these cases, it's very important to apply the appropriate phytosanitary product to eradicate the pest as quickly as possible and prevent it from killing the plant. Or, worse, from spreading to other plants. Furthermore, Stains and weakening can be a sign of fungus, for which you will need a fungicide. Keep the leaves clean from dust with a damp cloth helps prevent problems and improves photosynthesis.

Specific care of caudiciform plants (caudex)

What is the caudex? It is a thickening of the stem or base that acts as a reservoir for water and nutrients. This adaptation allows it to survive drought, but It also requires prudent watering and very draining substrates..

• Ideal pot: Wide and shallow, with good drainage. Terracotta helps it dry faster. Avoid oversized pots if the plant is young to prevent excessive moisture retention.
• Buried or exposedMany species look best with the caudex partially exposed. Leave the fine roots covered, but don't bury the caudex too much to avoid rot.
• Substratum: a lean, highly aerated mix. A reliable recipe is 50% organic (composted soil + some mature humus) and 50% inorganic (river sand, perlite, pumice, or volcanic gravel). Adding charcoal improves substrate hygiene.
• Irrigation according to the cycle: Water when active (with new leaves or budding), allowing the top 3–4 cm of substrate to dry. In vegetative rest it reduces to a minimum and limit to small monthly sips or nothing if the caudex looks firm.
• Luz: Lots of light and some hours of gentle sun. Protect from the midday sun with shade netting in summer. Indoors, use very bright locations without the magnifying effect of the glass.
• Temperature: they avoid frost. Some tolerate brief cold weather, but protect it from intense cold with a thermal blanket or bring the pot inside.
• Subscriber: little and spaced out during the growing season, with fertilizer low in nitrogen and slightly more potassium, so as not to soften the tissues of the caudex.
• Pruning and training: In species like Adenium, you can pinch off the stem to branch. Don't cut the caudex. Soft wiring allows for bonsai-like styles.
• Transplant: Every 2–3 years, at the beginning of active growth. Renew part of the substrate, check the roots, and remove any black or soft areas.
• Immersion irrigation: Useful in highly mineral substrates. Place the pot in a tray of water and remove it when the surface is moist.

Practical watering and maintenance step by step

1. Check the substrateInsert a finger or stick about 3 cm deep. If it comes out clean and dry, it's time to water; if it comes out moist, wait.
2. Water thoroughly: Apply water until it runs out of the drainage holes. If your pot doesn't have holes (not recommended), adjust to small amounts and more cautiously.
3. Avoid wetting leaves: Do not use a sprayer except on tropical species that tolerate it; constant misting can promote fungus and brittle roots.
4. Cleaning: Remove dust from leaves and caudex with a soft cloth or brush. A clean plant grows better.
5. Container with drainage: essential. Terracotta for beginners; the clay is porous and dries quickly.
6. Opening hours: Best at dusk or early morning, when the plant is most receptive and accidental sunburn is avoided.

Origin and adaptation: succulents, cacti and caudex

Cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. The caudiciformes include species from different families that have thickened their base to store water (e.g., Adenium, Pachypodium, Dioscorea, Fockea, Cyphostemma). Many originate from arid regions of Africa and semi-arid areas of other continents. They share strategies such as shallow roots to take advantage of short rains. and storage tissues that minimize water loss.

Outdoor cultivation: light, soil and protection

• Luz: They need plenty of light. Provide 4–6 hours of gentle sunlight, avoiding midday summer.
• LandLoose and well-draining. In a pot, use cactus/succulent soil enhanced with aggregates. Protect from heavy rain with a cover or a transplant.
• Climate: tolerate heat; protects from strong cold with anti-frost mesh or by moving them indoors.
• Designer: perfect for low-maintenance gardens and rockeries, where watering is infrequent.

How to care for the most common succulents

These tips can help you grow most succulents. However, each species is unique and has its own requirements. Therefore, below are some specific tips for the most popular succulents.

1. Portulacaria Afra Care

Also known as the "Tree of Plenty," this tree has fleshy, glossy leaves and can grow up to two meters tall indoors.

Portulacaria afra is a plant that needs a lot of light. It tolerates direct exposure to the sun and even appreciates it.. However, it can also be kept as an indoor plant in semi-shaded areas, as long as it is placed where it receives light for several hours a day.

Like all plants from warmer regions (in this case, southern Africa), the cold is one of its greatest enemies. If we live in an area with harsh winters, we'll need to plant it in a pot to protect it indoors.

In its native land, this plant can reach a height of 15 meters. However, In gardens and pots, its maximum growth is much smaller.It can even be grown as a bonsai, being a highly prized specimen within the Japanese art of ikebana.

Portulacaria retains a large amount of water in its branches and fleshy leaves, so excess moisture will cause its roots to rot quickly. We will take the precaution of Water only when the substrate is completely dry, usually with a frequency of once a week.

2. Care of Euphorbia trigona

Euphorbia trigona is a peculiar species among succulents. Although it is classified as a succulent, the edges of its stems Small red leaves grow alternately with spines reminiscent of cacti.

Euphorbia trigona grows on erect stems up to five meters tall in its natural habitat. The milky sap it excretes when cut has earned it the nickname "Milk Plant." This sap is toxic and irritating., so it is recommended to wear gloves when handling it.

Direct sunlight is ideal for this plant, although it tolerates partial shade well. As for watering, it's important not to overdo it. It resists drought better than excess waterEnsure excellent drainage by mixing the substrate with sand or using a special cactus substrate. Protect it in extreme cold.

3. Cotyledon orbiculata care

This plant with beautiful bell-shaped flowers is also known as “Pig’s Ear” because of the shape of its fleshy leaves.

It's a species native to South Africa that grows well in direct sunlight. Its hardiness allows it to survive in virtually any environment and condition. The only requirement is a very draining soil and moderate watering..

It stores water in its large, oval leaves. During the summer, it will delight us with its hanging flowers in shades of red, yellow, and orange. It tolerates the cold better than many succulents, withstanding brief frosts, but indoors, it will do best in cool, bright rooms. In a pot, it can reach 60 cm.

4. Haworthia fasciata care

The Haworthia family is made up of more than 70 species, of which the fasciata is one of the most widespread. This family of fleshy, rosette-shaped leaves is nicknamed "Zebra Plants" because of the characteristic white lines on their exterior.

They are small specimens (between 15 and 20 centimeters), ideal for growing indoors. They are also frequently used in rockery gardens..

Haworthia fasciata needs plenty of light. However, direct sunlight can cause leaf burn, so we recommend placing it in a semi-shaded area that remains well lit during the day.

Irrigation will be spaced out, ensuring that the substrate has good drainage. In winter you can water once a month or even stop.The temperature should never fall below 10°C; if it's cold, bring it indoors.

5. Popular caudiciformes and how to care for them

• Adenium obesum (desert rose): Lots of light, mild sun, and a high-mineral substrate. Water when dry during growth and hardly at all during dormancy. Prune tips to branch. Protect from cold.
• Pachypodium lamerei: Intense light, including occasional direct sunlight. Sandy substrate with pumice. Water moderately in summer, minimally in winter. Sensitive to excess water.
• Dioscorea elephantipes: caudex with a turtle-like appearance. Reverse cycle in some climates (grows in cool conditions and rests in warm conditions): adapts watering to the time when it produces or loses leavesMineral substrate and wide pot.
• Stephania erect: Very bright, very cautious watering; active in the warm season with spaced-out waterings. When dormant, keep the caudex dry and ventilated.
• fockea edulis: Abundant light, well-draining substrate. Moderate watering during growth; almost dry dormancy. The caudex can be partially exposed for display.

Other highly appreciated succulents

In addition to the above, there are iconic succulents that provide color and textures:

• Aloe vera: Thick, fleshy leaves with traditional uses. Bright interior and exterior.
• Crassula 'Temple of Buddha': spiral leaves, slightly reddish edges in good light.
• Lithops: “living stones” ideal for rockeries. Extremely moderate watering.
• Crassula ovata (jade tree): shrubby and hardy. Needs spaced watering and plenty of light.
• Kalanchoe: vivid blooms and easy maintenance, in a bright interior or protected exterior.

Additional growing tips

• Pot sizeA small pot helps control growth. If you want to speed it up, repot into a slightly larger container.
• Shade and frost protectionIn summer, use shade cloth to mitigate the harshest sun; in harsh winters, use frost-resistant fabric to protect exposed specimens.
• Rain water: It's excellent for its low salinity. If your area is very humid, prioritize ventilation and even more spaced-out watering.
• Water reception: Water at dusk to promote absorption and avoid sunburn.
• Substrate recipes: combines organic (composted soil, humus) with inorganic (river sand, perlite, vermiculite, pumice or charcoal). The texture should be light and porous.

As you've seen, these plants have somewhat special needs, but they're not complicated to meet. So, follow the tips we've given you. and you will see how your succulents grow strong, healthy and happyAnd if you have any questions (or if you've gotten the urge to decorate your home or office with one of these beautiful plants), remember you can contact us. We'll help you find the plants you need.

Links of interest

40 ideas for a succulent garden

https://www.pinterest.es/viverosgonzalez/jardines-de-suculentas-con-encanto/