Ep. 140 - Bundle of Sticks Plant
Cynanchum marnierianum Plant Profile
If you do everything right, the plant we’re discussing this week will look kind of dead!
Did that get your attention? If that sounds appealing to you - and it does to us - then you really should give the Bundle of Sticks Plant, Cynanchum marnierianum, a try. What are our experiences with this surprisingly easy plant? How can you even tell if it's thriving? And why are we not surprised Stephen already owned it? This is one we both love!
Then on the After Show, we discuss what we found when we looked for online communities of Plant Parents with a love for "Dead Stick Plants," and what this interest might look like outside of the succulent world. Head over to Patreon to hear!
Mentioned in this episode:
plants that have evolved to look like they’re dead - why they do this, and why we like it
learning how to read a plant’s needs when it looks dead in a perfectly healthy and happy state
overly cautious online care tips vs. what this plant actually wants - and how much flexibility you have when growing them at home
related species and genera, many of which have strong visual hints to their relationships to Hoyas and Ceropegia
And lastly,
Are you in the Seattle area? Come see us live at the Volunteer Park Conservatory June 18th as we host a Pride Plant Parenthood Panel! Tickets available HERE!
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Here are some closeups of Matthew’s plant
You can really see the texture of its rubbery stems, and how some of the growth takes on different hues depending on light exposure. Even though Stephen hasn’t noticed leaves on his, here there are some visible at the tips of the newly sprouting shoots - and that white fuzzy stuff isn’t a sign of mealybugs - it’s just how the new growth comes in, but like the leaves, it disappears quickly. Do keep an eye out for mealybugs on these though - they are also fans of Cynanchum marnierianum, and aren’t fooled by the “Dead Stick” scam this plant is pulling!
And the last photo is of the other Dead Stick Plant the Plant Daddies mentioned, Euphorbia platyclada. Stephen might not think it’s quite as dead-looking as the Cynanchum, but Matthew thinks it definitely does. Also native to similar habitats of Madagascar, Matthew was thrilled to find one for sale recently so he can start building a collection of plants that are playing dead.