Cyphostemma juttae and Cyphostemma currorii are both favorites of succulent collectors. The first time I saw Cyphostemma juttae I knew this was a plant I had to have! The fat trunk, peeling bark, and large thick leaves are as exotic as it gets!
Cyphostemma juttae and currorii are both from southwest Africa, where they grow in desert conditions. Cyphostemma juttae is the most common of the two. It has distinctive large green leaves with a pinkish cast. The fruit also has the same pinkish-red cast. Cyphostemma's can grow into large plants when planted in the landscape, however this is not common since they require a climate with little or no frost. Cyphostemma currorii has large pale green leaves covered with tomentum. It is my favorite of the two species, but less common in cultivation. C. juttae produces seeds easily since the flowers are monoecious, C. currorii takes longer to reach flowering age. My plants are just now starting to flower and produce seeds. Both species go dormant in the winter and lose their leaves.
I consider Cyphostemma juttae and currorii easy to grow. Most Cyphostemma's can be grown in pots or in the landscape. When growing in containers make sure you have a well drained soil. It should contain at least 50-60 percent in-organics. Plants grown in containers will grow slower than in the open ground. Cyphostemma's thrive with part to full sun. They also respond well to light feedings of fertilizer during the growing season.
Cyphostemma juttae and currorii grow best from seed. Seeds can take up to 2 years to germinate, most however germinate sooner. The more root space they have the faster they will grow, but be careful not to over water, especially in the winter when temperatures are cold. Sometimes stems can show signs of rot, especially during cold, wet winters. Remove the infected branch to healthy tissue and keep the cleaned area dry. New buds should form below the cut area and form new branches. Both species make excellent bonsai specimens.
