Caudex Plant Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular caudex plants with care guides, traits, and root management tips.
Featured Caudex Plant
Showing 7 of 79 species
© Hans Hillewaert / CC BY-SA 3.0Adenium Multiflorum
Adenium multiflorum
From South Africa, blooming many red-white flowers in winter, called Impala Lily.
© Michael Wolf / CC BY 2.5Monsonia Multifida
Monsonia multifida
A Geraniaceae caudex with thick trunk and finely divided leaves, winter-growing.
Othonna Clavifolia
Othonna clavifolia
An Asteraceae caudex with club-shaped succulent leaves and yellow flowers, winter-growing.
Othonna Herrei
Othonna herrei
An Asteraceae caudex with fine branches creating bonsai-like atmosphere, a classic winter type.
© HelenaH / CC BY-SA 3.0Pelargonium Appendiculatum
Pelargonium appendiculatum
A Pelargonium with branching tuber and fine leaves creating bonsai-like appearance, winter-growing.
© Stan Shebs / CC BY-SA 3.0Pelargonium Triste
Pelargonium triste
A tuberous Pelargonium with sweet night fragrance, gnarly tuber and carrot-like leaves.
© Marco Schmidt [1] / CC BY-SA 3.0Tylecodon Paniculatus
Tylecodon paniculatus
Called Butter Tree, with thick yellowish trunk and red flowers from South Africa.
Related Content
Caudex Plant FAQ
- How much do caudex plants cost?
- Pachypodium gracilius seedlings cost 2,000-10,000 yen, wild-collected specimens 30,000-200,000+ yen, and Operculicarya pachypus can reach hundreds of thousands of yen.
- Can beginners grow caudex plants?
- Adenium (Desert Rose) and Pachypodium seedlings are relatively easy and beginner-friendly. Just be careful with watering during winter dormancy, and you can enjoy them for years.
- How long do caudex plants live?
- Some specimens live for hundreds of years in the wild. In cultivation, they can thrive for decades with proper care. Watching the caudex thicken year by year is the greatest appeal.
- What should I check when buying caudex plants?
- Whether it's rooted is the most important point. Wild-collected imports are often unrooted and require root establishment. Beginners should start with rooted domestically grown seedlings.
- How do caudex plants overwinter?
- Many caudex plants go dormant in winter. Reduce watering from October, and withhold water completely from December to February. Keep indoors in a sunny spot at minimum 10°C.