It will put a lot of growth on in a hurry if you just let it go. Mine has developed a lot slower than it might have because I've cut it back so many times to keep it tidy, and as you know, that has a major impact on how fast the caudex develops. Be patient about exposing the caudex because it develops faster when it's covered by soil. You CAN give the stem the ILLUSION that it has thickened up by letting the top grow wild then cutting it back hard to shorten the stem. Decreasing the ratio of ht to width is how bonsai artists instill the look of great age and proportion into their plants, but I have a feeling that sense of proportion is going to fall by the way when you start exposing that fat caudex. ;-) I've had my plant for about 7 years. I bought one on Ebay and they sent 2. I grew both for 3-4 years & decided I don't need 2, so I gave one away to a friend who enjoys succulents but couldn't find the time to keep her bonsai on track. I talked to her last a little before Christmas & she said her plant is doing well & she just moves it indoors in front of a west window when the weather turns in fall. If I didn't have bonsai to keep me continually challenged, I'm sure I'd have an extensive collection of succulents, just because there are so many that are unique ..... and unique is where it's at. Have fun! Al

Tom, I don't know for sure (no recipes, either), but it's like taro - you have to boil it for hours. I can't remember where in Africa these come from, but perhaps there are some wind-swept ones. Donna, You got me to thinking. I wish I could find the exact picture on the Interwebus of the plant's trunk looking like lava poured on the rocks into which is was growing and bent by the wind. It was something like what's in the link (a Pachycormus, like a Fockea a plant raised many times for the roots, i.e. a pachycaul plant / caudiciform) minus the doggy. And the picture's thanks to Mr. Adenium himself, Mark Dimmitt. Here is a link that might be useful:

Thanks, one and all for the great information on growing this plant successfully. Here's what I can glean from the postings: It's a fairly easy plant to grow, given the right mix, fertilizers, light requirements, etc.... and, grow it deeply potted, and let the vines grow rampant, - to put on bulk and branching structure. Grow it this way until the caudex becomes the size wanted, then switch to bonsai-culture to keep the plant at the size you want. Not too difficult. Now, another question: Most of the Fockea plants that are sold, have had the caudex grown, then raised by the original growers. Can I re-bury the caudex again to let it bulk up, or is this the final size that the caudex will get? Again, thanks for the growing instructions. I'll give this plant a try. johnsonm08: Nice looking plant. Replace the soda with a beer, and now you got something! Frank

Squishy rotten? I cant tell from the pics, but is the very bottom tip rotten? If its rotten- dont water it. BUT--These guys like more water when actively growing. Is it squishy because its dessicated? I have mine in potting soil (peat based(I know) right out of the bag) its gets watered like a tropical when its actively growing and like a cactus when its not -in the winter-. Mike