Fockeais a genus of 6 succulent scrubs aboriginal to southernAfrica . It was established by Endlicher in 1838 for the exclusive species , Fockea capensis , based on a specimen cultivated at theSchönbrunn Garden at Schönbrunn Palacein Vienna , Austria . This famous plant had been collected by the explorers send by Emperor Joseph II of Austria in the Cape Colony sometime after 1786 . It is apparently still subsist today , perhaps the world ’s oldest potted plant .
The generic name " Fockea " honors the Dutch botanist Charles Focke ( 1802 - 1856 ) .
Fockeas have large tuberous roots . In their aboriginal region , the genus Tuber and sometimes other parts of the plant are consume . The tuber consists of squishy tissue equal to of collecting water during the rainy season for the plant to practice during the dry season . Some specimens have been found weighing around 100 pounds ( 45 kg ) .
Photo bySheila Thomson
YoungFockeas usually grow in the wraith of companion plants . As Fockeas mature , they post up erect , depart , or twining aerial halt that sometimes become so dense they strangle the living plant to destruction . At other times , when rain is scarce , Fockeas are hardly noticeable in the field , as they usually drop their leave and branches , will the stay plant life underground .
The leaves are uncomplicated , polar , and vary in size of it and contour between species . Some have entire margins , while others have powerfully undulated or crisped margins . leave of absence are also varying in many lengthy populations . Flowers are typically bisexual , greenish - clean , and nearly inconspicuous .
Growing Conditions for Fockea
Fockeas are easy - to - originate plant , gross for beginners interested in caudiciform plants . They can be grow in the ground , butFockeas are usually seen as potted plants .
Light
These plant prefer partial shade . They can endure full sun but need a little sun shelter during the hottest part of the day .
Soil
dissipated - enfeeble soil mixis the best land for yourFockea to enfeeble excess water .
Temperature
Fockeas can withstand a light icing . They are insensate audacious down toUSDA hardiness zones9b , 25 ° F ( -3.9 ° C ) .
Pot Size
Choose a container with drain holes and a depth deep enough to fit the rich root system of the flora . For a salient tuber , farm yourFockeain a large deal for several years before raising it .
General Care for Fockea
Fockeas are easy to worry for because they can store water in their tuber and exist many months without water in raging , arid regions . allow a treillage , place the industrial plant below a President Bush , or allow it to vine along a wall or exchangeable social organization .
Watering
Waterregularly during the growing time of year , from spring to diminish , allow the soil to dry out between tearing . A shriveled tuber is a good indicator that yourFockeamay be underwatered . Reduce lacrimation in the wintertime . body of water the plant only enough to forestall the shriveling of the tuber .
Fertilizing
Feed with high - nitrogen plant food with a low potassium level to force tuber growth , but only during the growing season .
Repotting
To encourage tuber evolution , Fockeas should be repotted once a year . The good clock time to repot is just after the beginning of the get time of year , in tardy wintertime or former outpouring . Always wait a week after repot to weewee . The outgrowth of the genus Tuber to a showable size is fast if it is buried in the soil , which can be partially remove for showing .
Pruning
To keepFockeas looking their best , occasional pruning is recommend . The flora rise well after pruning .
How to Propagate Fockea
Fockeas are comparatively sluttish to grow from semen . They are dioecious , so both male and female flora are needed to produce germ . Sow the seeds in a well - enfeeble mix at about 70 ° F ( 21 ° C ) . The growth of seedling is rapid but is helped by frequent repotting . Do not underpot young seedlings , as they will slow down their outgrowth . Generally , the roots should only take up the top one-half of the pot after repotting .
Vegetative propagation is difficult to impossible .
Pests and Diseases of Fockea
Fockeas are generally trouble - detached plants , specially when grown out of doors .
Pests
The foliage attracts whiteflies , and periodical spraying with an insecticide may be need to ensure this trouble . Fockeas are also attractive tomealybugs , and the aphid occasionally feeds on young stem turn .
Diseases
genus Tuber do not seem especially susceptible to rotting but can give suddenly .
Toxicity of Fockea
Fockeas are known as solid food plants , but the tuber has milky sap , which is enounce to be poisonous . invalidate contact with hide or eyes , and keep away from children and pets .
Links
Did you find this helpful ? Share it with other succulent lover !
