| It does not take much effort to grow the Hoodia species.
The only trick is not to water it a drop more than is needed to keep Hoodia growing.
Easier said than done, I know.
Hoodia can be grown without direct sun, but in bright light. These plants can
withstand short periods of light frost. It is sufficient protection to grow Hoodia
under a roof with open sides, to keep it out of rain. Make sure that the roof is
wide enough so that the rain can not be blown onto the plants by wind.
The best point to start getting information on how to grow Hoodia species is from the
habitat of these plants. The habitat of Hoodia is the Karoo, which is in the
central part of South Africa, Namaqualand which is the western part of South Africa
and then the Namib, which is in Namibia going into Angola.
Hoodia was planted in soil taken from the Karoo, Namaqualand and Namibia, as well as a
loose mix consisting of garden soil with humus (potplant soil) from nurseries.
This was done to find out how much the soil influence the growth of Hoodi
plants. Growth in all soil types were good.
The difficult part in cultivating Hoodia is how much water should be given. The
sure way to kill Hoodia is by watering it just the slightest drop too much. Water
only once every 3rd month through-out the year. Do not drench the soil, just enough
to dampen the soil. In climates with moist air, water only every 4th month. As
is with all plants, do not water in very hot weather. That is above 35 degrees
Celsius. Wait until the days have cooled for a day or two and water late in the
evening or early morning in the summer if it is hot.
Hoodia species grow down into the winter rainfall Namaqualand and like other
desert plants, Hoodia will absorb water when available no matter the season. Except in
temperatures too hot or too cold.
Do keep in mind. Hoodia will shrivel when too dry, it will rot when too
wet. Dry is better.
More information on Hoodia.
If you feel you do need more scientific data of the soil, contact the
Geological survey of South Africa and Namibia. They will do a detailed analysis on a
soil sample, for a small fee. |
