Important Notice: Low-Temperature Shipping — Read Before Ordering

Notice on Low-Temperature Shipping

Recently, temperatures have been gradually dropping in various regions, and some plants require insulated packaging for shipping. When placing an order, you can check the estimated delivery time on the order page. Below are the packaging arrangements for different temperature conditions:

If the temperature at your address is expected to remain below -5°C throughout the estimated delivery period, please do not place an order.

If the minimum temperature at your address during the estimated delivery period is between 0°C and 5°C, your order will be shipped in an insulated box, and an additional shipping fee will be required. The specific fee will be notified by email. You may pay the additional shipping fee, or apply to us for a refund.

If the minimum temperature at your address during the estimated delivery period is above 5°C, no insulated box will be arranged, and your order will be shipped as normal.

Note: For some cold-sensitive plants, we will send email reminders depending on the situation.

Thank you all for your support and trust!

Adenia keramanthus

Adenia
$ 25.00 / plant
Plant selection You'll receive a similar plant. Appearance may vary. In stock · 49 available
Quantity
Sales Type Retail, Same Batch
Plant size W1.5cm
Packaged Weight Actual packaged weight varies by product and root system. See related articles for details. 0.15 kg
Propagation Method Seed-grown

Cataloged as

Description

Scientific Name

Adenia keramanthus Harms

Geographic & Climate

  • Geographic Coordinates: 3°00'S to 6°30'S, 37°00'E to 39°30'E (East Africa: interior lowlands of southern Kenya and northern to central Tanzania)

  • Climate Classification: Semi-arid climate / Tropical savanna climate (Köppen: BSh / Aw)

  • Habitat Characteristics: Occurs in deciduous bushland, dry scrub, and acacia woodland on red sandy soil, basement gravels, or limestone outcrops at elevations ranging from 100 m to 1,200 m above sea level. Experiences bimodal low rainfall (200–600 mm annually) with prolonged hyper-arid dry seasons.

Botanical Morphology

  • Diagnostic Features: Erect to decumbent pachycaul shrub or climber up to 1.5–2 m tall with a grossly swollen, conical to goblet-shaped basal caudex (up to 30–50 cm in diameter) covered in peeling papery greenish-yellow to greyish bark. Distinguished from other Adenia species by its densely pubescent to hirsute young stems and foliage, thick velvety 3–5-lobed suborbicular leaves, and conspicuous greenish-yellow campanulate flowers with distinctly laciniate/fimbriate petals.

  • Growth Habit: Strictly summer grower; enters complete winter-dry dormancy triggered by drought and cold temperatures, shedding all foliage. Slow to moderate growth rate. Reaches a mature height of 1.5–2 m, with a massive succulent caudex development over decades.

History & Etymology

  • Etymology: The generic name Adenia is derived from "Aden," the region in Yemen where the type species of the genus was collected. The specific epithet keramanthus combines the Greek words keramos (potter's clay, earthenware jar, or vessel) and anthos (flower), referring to the pitcher- or urn-shaped calyx tube of the flowers.

  • Historical Context: First described in 1893 by German botanist Hermann Harms from herbarium specimens gathered during early East African botanical expeditions in Tanganyika (modern-day Tanzania). Highly sought after in specialized succulent horticulture due to its unique velvety foliage and massive pot-shaped caudex.

Care Guide

Essential Care Tips for Thriving Plants

Light

Provide partial to full sun. Most plants thrive on direct UV exposure. Avoid placing behind window glass, as it filters out the essential UV rays needed for healthy growth.

Water

Follow the "Soak and Dry" principle. Ensure the top 2–3 cm of soil is bone dry before watering (use the finger test). Reduce frequency in winter, but do not stop watering entirely.

Temperature

The ideal range is 18–35 °C. Maintain temperatures above 5 °C during winter. Please note that temperatures below 0 °C pose a significant risk of plant death.

Humidity

Best kept at 30–50% humidity. Note: High air humidity is not a substitute for root watering. Avoid overly damp areas to prevent root rot or leggy side shoots.

Soil

A loose, well-draining medium is ideal. A mix containing 50–70% grit or mineral soil is recommended for aeration. Outdoor ground planting is also a viable option.

Fertilizer

Fertilize during repotting using Osmocote A2 slow-release fertilizer. Apply sparingly twice a year, or adjust the fertilizer type based on your specific home environment.

Planting Guide

Start Your Green Journey in 4 Steps

Unbox & Inspect

Carefully unpack and inspect the plant’s body and roots. We recommend taking photos or videos immediately for your records. Place it in a shaded, well-ventilated spot for 1–2 days to acclimate to its new environment.

Potting & Placement

After 24 hours of rest, pot the plant using slightly moistened soil. Place it in a bright, airy location to encourage recovery. Keep away from AC vents or heaters to prevent damage from temperature fluctuations.

First Watering

Use water that has sat for at least 24 hours. If using the damp-potting method, wait 2–3 days before the first watering. Ensure a thorough soak until water drains freely from the bottom.

Daily Care

Monitor leaf condition and soil moisture daily. If the soil remains damp, increase ventilation rather than watering. Proper airflow is essential to prevent root rot and ensure lasting health.