Q) How long does it take for the bulb to sprout?
A) If you place the bulb under our grow light, it usually takes about 1 month or less for it to sprout.

Under indirect sun (filtered by windows), it take about 1-5 months. From our experience, the best condition for it to sprout is when bright filtered sun rays hit the bulb. The duration it takes to sprout very much depends on the amount of light the bulb receives, as the plant has to convert light energy into energy to push out new growths.

Q) How much do I water and what’s the frequency before it sprouts?
A) The care tips is the same before or after the leaves have sprouted. Water when the soil is 80% dry. If the soil mix is light brown, it’s dry and you may proceed to water.

Q) What is this plant?
A) The stephania suberosa is a caudex plant. It grows large and round leaves from a bulb. 

Q) How does it grow?
A) The bulb grows very slowly. It will take years for the bulb to outgrow the pot. The leaves grow quickly. They multiply quickly when the location is bright enough.

Q) How long before I have to repot it?
A) As it does not grow in terms of the bulb, you don’t really have to repot it often. If you are worried about the nutrients in the soil mix being used up, you can top up using slow-release fertiliser.

Q) I spot some bugs on the caudex. What should I do?
A) It’s normal for stephania suberosa to attract bugs such as ants. They also have mealybugs on the leaves. You can give the plant a wash if it’s heavily invested with bugs. You can also use a wet tissue to clean the bugs off the leaves and stems. To prevent/kill pests, spray nature’s defenders once a week. 

Q) There are some parts of the leaves which are turning yellow.
A) If the bottom leaves are turning yellow, it’s normal because those are the old leaves. They will shed old leaves. But if the top leaves are turning yellow, it might be nutrient deficiency. Apply nutricote slow release fertiliser to boost its growth. 

Q) There are some brown burn marks on the leaves. 
A) That might be fertiliser burn. As the leaves are very thin, any liquid fertiliser which forms too heavy droplets may burn the leaves. While spraying fertiliser, ensure you spray from a distance and mist gently. If there’s any heavy droplets which form, use a tissue to wipe them away. 


Q) How often should I water?
A) Water when the soil mix looks light brown, indicating it’s dry. Water through until water drains out at the bottom. This is usually once a week. The leaves will be droopy if the plant is thirsty. They don’t die immediately if you don’t water. The soil should not be kept wet and soggy as it will lead to insect and fungi growth. 

Q) Where should I place it?
A) Place it at a bright spot next to the window 

Q) There is a long vine growing. What should I do?
A) You may cut it off. It’s find to trim your suberosa as long as there’s still leaves on the plant to continue to make food.

Q) What’s the powdery yellow substance on the plant?
A) Those are the flowers

A soil mix that’s rocky and has lots of air spaces for drainage e.g. 
The Plant Loft Rock soil mix (click for product URL)

Nil

Fast if location is bright 

Not necessary 

Toxic to pets

Problem: Bugs and insects
Cause: Sap in the plant 
Solution: Clean it regularly using wet tissue and place starxle G insecitide on top of the soil.

Problem: Brown stains on leaves due to fertiliser burn
Cause: Fertiliser burn
Solution: Mist gently from a distance and wipe away any heavy droplets which form on the leaves.

Problem: Black edges on leaves 
Cause: Sunburn
Solution: Do not place under direct sun. Cut away the sunburnt leaves and shift it beside the window for bright filtered indirect sun. Remember to water once a week and let water run down the bulb, and only stop when it drains out from the bottom.