Stephania Cepharantha - A

$375.00

Stephania Cepharantha - A striking tropical plant from the Dioscoreaceae family, known for its fascinating, large, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive, swollen tuber. Native to Southeast Asia, it grows as a deciduous vine, often climbing or trailing when given support. Its tuber, which can become quite large and corky with age, is one of the plant's most eye-catching features. The plant typically goes dormant in the winter, with its leaves dying back, only to regenerate in spring. Due to its unique appearance, it is often grown as an ornamental houseplant, prized for its low-maintenance care requirements and ability to adapt to various lighting conditions, though it thrives best in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

🌞 Light

Prefers bright, indirect sunlight or filtered light.
Avoid harsh midday sun, which can scorch new leaves.
Indoors: place near a south or east-facing window. Outdoors: light shade or morning sun is ideal.

💧 Watering

Active growth (spring–summer): Water when the top inch of soil is dry. The caudex should never sit in wet soil.
Dormancy (fall–winter): After the vines and leaves die back, stop watering completely. Only mist or lightly water once every 4–6 weeks to prevent the caudex from shriveling.
Always use a pot with excellent drainage — overwatering is the main cause of failure.

🌵 Soil

Needs very well-draining, gritty soil — similar to a cactus or caudiciform mix.
Recommended blend:
- 60–70% pumice, perlite, or coarse sand
- 30–40% light organic matter (cactus mix or loam)
Avoid moisture-retentive soil like peat or coco coir.

🌡️ Temperature

Ideal temperature: 75–90°F (24–32°C) during growth.
Do not expose to temperatures below 55°F (13°C) — it is not frost-tolerant.
Likes warm, slightly dry air with good ventilation.

🍃 Fertilization

Feed once a month during active growth with a diluted, balanced fertilizer (e.g., 1/4 strength).
Do not fertilize while dormant.

🪴 Container & Repotting

Use a shallow, porous pot (clay or terracotta) with large drainage holes.
Repot only when necessary — every 2–3 years, before new growth starts in spring.
Keep the caudex slightly above soil level to prevent rot and display its shape.

✂️ Maintenance

Let vines climb or trail naturally; prune dead growth at the start of dormancy.
Avoid disturbing the caudex — it’s slow-growing and easily damaged.

🌱 Propagation

Propagated from fresh seeds; germination requires warmth (80–85°F / 27–29°C) and steady moisture.
Caudex division is not recommended — each plant forms from a single tuber.