Hoodia gordonii
Hoodia gordonii
Hoodia
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Taxonomy
Family Apocynaceae · Genus Hoodia
Description
Hoodia gordonii is a fascinating Kalahari stem succulent with upright, spiny green columns and spectacular starry blooms that smell a bit funky to attract flies. Tough and drought-loving, it thrives in strong sun, lean gritty soil, and minimal watering.
Common Names
HoodiaGhaapBushman’s hoodiaGordon’s hoodia
Context
nativeRegion
Kalahari and arid regions of Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
usdaZones
10–12 outdoors; container culture elsewhere.
companionPlants
Stapelia spp., Aloe spp., Euphorbia (succulent types), Lithops spp., Faucaria spp.
culturalUses
Traditionally chewed by San/Khwe hunter‑gatherers to help suppress hunger and thirst during long hunts. Modern commercial interest led to overharvesting; ensure plants are legally cultivated and CITES‑compliant (Appendix II).
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to very bright light; 4–8+ hours of direct sun. Acclimate to avoid scorch. Strong grow lights indoors.
WateringSoak then let dry completely. In summer, water every 2–4 weeks; keep almost dry in winter. Never let sit in water.
SoilFast-draining, mineral-rich cactus mix with 50–70% pumice/perlite/grit; shallow pot with ample drainage.
FertilizerLow-nitrogen cactus fertilizer at 1/4 strength monthly in late spring–summer only; none in winter.
HumidityLow and airy (20–40%). Avoid high humidity and stagnant air.
TemperatureBest 70–95°F (21–35°C). Protect below 50°F (10°C); brief dips to ~40°F (4°C) only if bone-dry.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitClump-forming, upright many-ribbed, spiny stem succulent (leafless).
Mature SizeStems 12–24 in (30–60 cm) tall, 1.5–2 in (4–5 cm) thick; clumps to 12–24 in (30–60 cm) wide in pots.
Growth RateSlow to moderate; faster in hot summers with careful watering.
BloomingTypically summer; large tan to maroon, star-shaped flowers with carrion scent; requires maturity and strong light.
DormancyCool, dry winter dormancy; markedly reduced water Nov–Feb (adjust by climate).
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings (callus 7–14 days before planting), Seed (fresh seed germinates best)
DifficultyModerate—cuttings can rot if rushed; seeds slow to establish.
Best SeasonLate spring to mid-summer for cuttings and sowing.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningMinimal. Remove dead or rotting stems and spent blooms with a sterile blade; let cuts callus in dry shade.
RepottingEvery 2–3 years in spring into fresh gritty mix; use a snug, well-drained pot (clay preferred). Handle roots gently.
Pests & DiseasesRoot/mealybugs, scale, spider mites; fungal/bacterial rot from overwatering or high humidity; sunburn if not acclimated.
ToxicityLatex/sap can irritate skin; ingestion may cause GI upset—keep from pets and children. Handle with care; spines are sharp.
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