How to grow Hoodia gordonii
This is a cactus or succulent plant, although Hoodia gordonii has a become popular for its purported medical uses rather than as an ornamental plant. Promoted as a ‘weight loss’ supplement it seems to have fallen a little by the wayside over recent years.
Hoodia plants are originally from Angola and Namibia. Hoodia are a succulent plant growing up to 1m. The plant is reputed to have medicinal qualities and to work as an appetite suppressant, however we have not seen scientific evidence of this.
Hoodia gordonii is a succulent plant native to South Africa from the Asclepiadaceae family and grows a little like a cactus with small spiky, pink to red flowers that have an unpleasant smell.
Care
Propagation is from cuttings it will form a clump 20cm by 20cm. Like most succulents Hoodia prefer a well draining gritty potting mix, lots of sun. Can also be grown from seed.
Only very fresh seeds seem to germinate with any regularity, so imported seeds are problematical. If you can find seeds they need to germinated in a sterile potting mix in warm temperatures. Seeds are surface sown and covered very lightly with a fine potting mix. Use a fine misting spray to maintain moisture and sit the pot in a tray os water so the moisture wicks up from below.
Once you have seedlings.
- Well drained soil is essential – Use a Succulent potting mix.
- Water only when the plant is in active growth generally from spring through summer. Only water when the potting soil has dried.
- Fertilise with a liquid seaweed fertiliser every month from spring through to late summer.
- Grow in a position in full sun to very strong filtered light.