Stephania Erecta Care Tips- How to Pot it?

I know how Stephania erecta looks adorable at home! Stephania plant has become wildly popular in the past few years because it looks like a potato and is relatively easy to care for. House plant growers of all skill levels are drawn to this houseplant because it starts off looking a little grubby and sad but then transforms into something gorgeous as it grows.

There is a need to give some extra care and heed towards its potting for its proper growth.

Stephania Erecta Bulb

Stephania Erecta is a beautiful species of orchid that grows in Thailand naturally. This plant with few similarities to typical plants, growing from a bulb, so it’s an unusual kind. The plant leaves are very delicate with lighter veins, and it forms a large, rock-like base.

On average, Stephania grows to around three feet, but it can vary in size. Plants reach maturity slowly, with some taking as long as 20 years to fully mature. The caudex of the Stephania is usually six to seven inches wide. It forms delightful little bunches with leaves about two inches across, resembling the umbrellas they use in tiki bars.

Growth

In January each year, give the caudex a good soak for 24 hours and then plant it on top of the soil with gentle and firm pressure so the plant makes contact with the ground. Stephania plant should enter into dormancy at least once a year, and its caudex should be kept completely dry. Occasionally, the plant may require more time to grow, but it will gradually wake up over time. 

Leaves of the Stephania plant are sometimes described as disc-shaped, sometimes as umbrellas, but its beauty is in their delicately shaped leaves that seem to be suspended in the air as they grow. They usually do not need support as it supports the leaves well on its own.

Stephania Erecta Plant Care Tips

• Stephania erecta care is easy to moderate level, you can treat it like a succulent or a cactus, and you won’t have any problems. Because it likes good light and stores water well, it does not require much watering. However, sitting in humid soil or over-watering will cause the soil to rot.
• Overwatering the Stephania plant is a problem due to its bulb’s water storage. You should therefore be extra careful because you can sometimes overwater and stress the Stephanie plant. For the Stephania plant in the growing season, you should water it every 10 days, and for the winter, you should water it every 15-20 days.
• This is normal and expected, as the plant will go dormant, and the leaves will turn yellow and fade. The cycle will then start the following year again. Caudex plants are great seasonal favorites and mark the beginning of spring, regardless of whether you are new to houseplants or an expert.
• The plant requires bright indirect sunlight. It can also be kept in direct sunlight, but it is better to avoid too much direct sunlight as its leaves are delicate and can wilt. 
• Stephania erecta should be placed in indirect sunlight for 4-6 hours per day. The temperature should be maintained between 60 to 80 Fahrenheit, and humidity should be more than 60%.

How to Pot Stephania Erecta?

There are no roots or leaves on this plants – they are sold as tubers. It is necessary to pot up and prepare the tuber before it begins its sprouting journey. The sprouting process can take anywhere from 2 to 3 months. If the tuber is first woken up and given plenty of humidity, it will grow more quickly.

• The bottom half of the caudex should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours. This will help it to wake up. Place the node on one of the flattened ends to face up (the node is a small circle).
• The tubers should be planted in a gritty cactus potting mix.
• Put the potting mix into the pot of your choice.
• Plant the tuber on top. In potting, the most crucial factor is burying the tuber not too deeply. Cavex buried in the ground is more prone to rot.
• It is unnecessary to bury the tuber in the soil mix, but you can do it lightly.
• Ensure that you place it in indirect sunlight.
• It is essential to water the medium thoroughly. However, it should not become soggy.
• Until the plant sprouts, you can continue in this way. Or, you can use a humidity tent to encourage it a little.
• Place the tuber inside a plastic bag or germination dome to encourage germination.
• Make sure one side of the bag has a slight opening for airflow.
• Every week, check the soil for moisture. Keep it lightly moist as necessary.
• The tuber will sprout in about two weeks. However, some sprout faster than others. Just be patient and keep the climate moist for up to three months.

Things To Consider:

• It would be best to keep an eye on pests like spiders, whiteflies, or mealybugs because they can harm this plant.
• The most common disease of Stephania is leaf spot.
• For the healthy growth of this plant, you need to maintain dry leaves and avoid excessive moisture in the soil. 
• This plant is classified as toxic; therefore, it might cause an allergic reaction in pets. Consequently, it would be best to stay away from your furry friend from Stephania erecta. Moreover, owing to its appearance with potato, you shouldn’t try eating it because it may cause vomiting, nausea, and a loss of appetite. 

Note: This adorable Stephania plant is not available in physical stores. If you have a plan to buy, you should need to visit online stores on the internet.