Description
🌿 Stephania Ireda – Detailed Description
🔍 Overview
Stephania Ireda is a rare and eye-catching caudiciform plant known for its unique appearance and slow growth. It is part of the Stephania genus, which includes tropical climbing plants with thick, woody, potato-like bases called caudexes. From this base, delicate, round, green leaves sprout on long, thin vines, making it a favorite among plant collectors and bonsai enthusiasts.
🌱 Botanical Information
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Scientific Name: Stephania sp. (commonly referred to as “Ireda,” though not an officially recognized species name)
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Common Names: Stephania Ireda, Caudex Plant
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Family: Menispermaceae
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Plant Type: Tropical deciduous vine with a caudex
🍃 Plant Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Caudex | A large, rounded, tuber-like base that stores water and nutrients. Can sit above the soil like a bonsai. |
| Leaves | Round, coin-shaped green leaves with fine veins. The leaves grow from long, slender vines, creating a floating, airy aesthetic. |
| Growth Habit | The plant sends out climbing vines from the caudex, which can be trained with supports or left to trail. |
| Dormancy | Goes dormant in colder seasons or if not given enough light, during which it may lose all leaves. The caudex remains alive and regrows when conditions improve. |
🌞 Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Light | Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Can tolerate a few hours of direct morning light but avoid harsh midday sun. |
| Watering | During active growth, water moderately and allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings. In dormancy, water very sparingly. |
| Temperature | Thrives in warm temperatures (20–30°C or 68–86°F). Keep away from cold drafts and frost. |
| Humidity | Enjoys moderate to high humidity but can adapt to indoor levels. |
| Soil | Needs well-draining soil, ideally a cactus or succulent mix blended with perlite or sand. |
| Fertilizer | Feed with diluted balanced fertilizer during active growth (spring/summer), about once a month. No feeding in dormancy. |
✂️ Care & Maintenance
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Dormancy: In fall or winter, the plant may drop leaves and go dormant. This is normal. Stop fertilizing and water only occasionally to keep the caudex from drying out completely.
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Support: Vines may need a trellis or moss pole for support.
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Repotting: Rarely needed; only when the plant outgrows its container.
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Propagation: Typically grown from tubers or seeds (rare).
🌟 Why Grow Stephania Ireda?
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Unusual caudex shape makes it a conversation piece.
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Great for bonsai-style displays and minimalist plant décor.
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Easy to care for once established.
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Ideal for plant collectors and lovers of rare tropical species
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