Dorstenia gigas f. bullata:

Dorstenia gigas f. bullata is a rare form of the succulent species Dorstenia gigas, which belongs to the Moraceae (fig) family. This plant is endemic to the island of Socotra, Yemen, and is prized for its unique and striking appearance. It features a swollen, bottle-like trunk called a caudex that serves as a water storage organ, enabling it to survive in arid conditions. The “bullata” form is a variant within the Dorstenia gigas group and is noted for its distinct surface texture or patterning on the caudex

Characteristic and cultivation :

• Native habitat: Socotra island, Yemen.

• Appearance: Swollen caudex up to 1 meter in diameter, small green leaves in a rosette at the top, and a unique flower structure called a hypanthodium.

• Growth: Slow-growing, especially the bullata form, which is slower than the typical  (Dorstenia gigas f. bullata)

• Light: Prefers direct sunlight.

• Temperature: Needs temperatures above 10°C.

• Watering: During the growing season, water thoroughly once a week and allow soil to dry out completely before watering again. In winter, water only once a month; the plant may lose leaves but will regrow them in spring.

• Availability: Extremely rare and sought after by collectors; seedlings are sold by specialized succulent nurseries with worldwide shipping, often without pots or soil to comply with import regulations

Because of its rarity and unique morphology, Dorstenia gigas f. bullata is a prized addition to succulent collections, especially for enthusiasts of caudiciform plants. (Dorstenia gigas f. bullata)

 

The best growing conditions for Dorstenia gigas f. bullata are as follows:

Light:

• Prefers direct sunlight or maximum bright light; can tolerate full sun outdoors with some shade protection to avoid scorching

• Indoors, bright indirect light is beneficial to prevent leggy growth (Dorstenia gigas f. bullata)

Temperature :

• Thrives in warm temperatures above 10°C (50°F), ideally between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F)

• Avoid temperatures below 10-15°C and protect from frost; winter shelter is recommended

• Avoid excessive heat above 38°C (100°F); optimal upper limit is around 30-32°C (85-90°F) to prevent stress

Watering :

• Water thoroughly once a week during the growing season (spring and summer), allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings

• In autumn, reduce watering to once every two months and suspend watering in winter to mimic natural dormancy

• Avoid overwatering; use a gritty, well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot

Soil:

• Requires a very well-draining, gritty medium with little organic matter, mimicking its native limestone habitat

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• Soil can include components like pumice, peat, aquarium gravel (crushed shells), gypsum, or calcium carbonate to provide alkalinity and calcium

Humidity:

• Moderate humidity is preferred but the plant tolerates lower humidity

• Good airflow or gentle constant wind can help strengthen the caudex and prevent stress, simulating its natural windy cliff habitat

Additional care Tips:

• Use pots with drainage holes to prevent water stagnation

• Fertilize sparingly, about once a year diluted during the growing season

• Patience is needed as the plant grows slowly, especially the bullata form

In summary, Dorstenia gigas f. bullata thrives in warm, sunny conditions with well-draining alkaline soil, moderate watering following seasonal dormancy, and good airflow to mimic its native Socotra limestone cliff environment