Episode Details

Are you ready to add some unique, eye-catching beauty to your plant collection? Meet the caudex plant—also known as the foot, Stephania erecta, or even the Potato Plant. While these plants may be stunning, they can be a handful to take care of without proper knowledge. Join us as we explore the world of caudex plants with expert guests Stephen and Matthew from the Plant Daddy Podcast. From the well-known Stephania erecta to other varieties that are more accessible and easy to care for, we'll share everything you need to know to be successful with caudex plants.

In this episode, we learn:

• [05:07] Are you pronouncing “caudex” correctly?
• [06:11] Who are Stephen and Matthew of Plant Daddy Podcast?
• [11:59] What is a caudex plant and why is it called a “potato plant”?
• [16:21] Finding caudex plants in the wild
• [18:31] Using caudex plants as decorations
• [20:21] How Stephania erecta became so popular among caudex plants
• [23:29] Did Stephania erecta live up to its hype?
• [25:04] Challenges to growing and caring for Stephania erecta
• [30:05] Are you looking for hand-knitted, sustainably made weighted blankets?
• [32:57] Where to find high-quality seeds and edible flowers
• [34:55] Some tips on how to grow your own flowers!
• [35:44] Maria's personal experience with growing Stephania erecta
• [37:16] What other caudex plants are easy to grow?
• [37:35] Caudex plant #1: Stephania kaweesakii
• [38:18] Caudex plant #2: Ant plant
• [38:50] Caudex plant #3: Dioscorea
• [39:25] Caudex plant #4: Bigfoot plant (Gerrardanthus macrorhizus)
• [40:00] Legalities and considerations when buying Stephania erecta
• [43:05] How can you verify whether the caudex plant you bought is legal?
• [46:09] What is the best way to care for caudex plants? (Hint: Research is key!)
• [50:02] How to water caudex plants correctly
• [56:58] Choosing the right soil for your caudex plants
• [01:01:10] Where to find wind chimes for your garden or house
• [01:04:02] Get quality gardening products for your next gardening season
• [01:06:03] What do we need to know when caudex plants go dormant?
• [01:10:46] What is ant plant and why is it easier to maintain?
• [01:19:59] Other caudex plant types (ficus, tropical, botanical, etc.)
• [01:21:00] Matthew and Stephen's plans for their plant collections in 2023

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Spray bottles
• Joshua Weissman, Youtube channel
• Falling for Christmas, a Christmas movie featuring Lindsay Lohan
• Spirited, a Christmas movie by Will Ferrell

For a detailed list of caudex plants' care basics,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

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