Bastard Cobas

Bastard Cobas Care

Cyphostemma juttae

What is the plant

Cyphostemma juttae is a slow-growing succulent species of Cyphostemma from southern Africa, well known as an ornamental plant. The plant is also known as wild grape, tree grape, Namibian grape, Droog-my-keel and bastard cobas.

Cyphostemma juttae, probably the most common of the genus, is a slow-growing succulent ornamental tree with several huge swollen bottle-shaped stems or one thick stem bearing a spreading crown of branches. This species can reach 6 feet (1.8 metres) tall. The broad serrated, blue-green leaves forms a bizarre compact canopy at the top. Every winter it sheds those succulent leaves completely, leaving only the swollen stem. Flowers borne in early summer are inconspicuous but the grape-like bunches of fruit are red, and later purple and definitely attract attention.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

min 10a

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
It is drought tolerant but appreciates plentifully of water and some fertilizer during the summer growing season. Keep the plant dry in winter in order to prevent rotting. As with all succulents, one must be careful not to overwater. These plants can survive with very little water and too often plants die as a result of too much water.
Fertilizer
This succulent needs fertilizing during the growing season (April through August).
Sunlight
The plant likes lots of sun throughout the year. However, it may need some afternoon shade in hot climates to avoid leaf burn.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
A fast-draining rich cactus mix should be used when potting. Outdoors, plant it in a loamy or sandy soil where drainage is optimal.
Temperature
Mature plants are hardy to -3°C (or less), but it is best to avoid freezing temperatures especially if the plants are young. Cyphostemma comes from the hot, dry areas of southern Africa, so it has no problem taking temperatures up to 40°C.
Container
This plant can be grown in a container. Choose a pot with enough drainage holes.