Caudex Plant Dormancy Guide: Leaf Drop, Watering & Wake-up

Many caudex plants (caudiciform plants) enter dormancy in sync with the dry season of their native habitats. Mismanaging this period can lead to root rot or plant death.

Dormancy Basics

Winter dormancy (dormant in winter): Adenium, Pachypodium gracilius, Euphorbia obesa, etc. In Japan, dormancy runs roughly from late October through March.

Summer dormancy (dormant in summer): Tylecodon, Othonna, Sarcocaulon, etc. Dormancy runs roughly from May through September.

Signs of Dormancy

1. Leaf yellowing and drop: Leaves gradually turn yellow and fall naturally
2. Growth cessation: No new leaf development
3. Reduced water uptake: Soil takes much longer to dry after watering

Sudden leaf drop may indicate root rot instead. Check whether the caudex feels soft when pressed.

When & How to Withhold Water

Once leaf drop begins, gradually reduce watering frequency over 2–3 weeks. When all leaves have fallen, start full water withdrawal.

• Pachypodium gracilius: Complete water cutoff November–March
• Adenium: Complete water cutoff December–March
• Operculicarya pachypus: Complete water cutoff November–April

When in doubt, don't water is the golden rule. Watering during cold periods is the leading cause of root rot.

Storage Conditions

Pachypodium species: Minimum temperature 10°C or above. Ideally around 15°C indoors.

Adenium species: Minimum temperature 8°C or above. Keep in a warm indoor location.

Common considerations: Avoid direct heating airflow and condensation-prone environments.

Waking Up in Spring

1. Start when nighttime temperatures consistently exceed 15°C
2. Give a small amount of water — about 1/4 of pot volume — slowly
3. Don't expose to direct sunlight immediately; start in bright shade
4. If new growth appears within 1–2 weeks after watering, the wake-up was successful
5. Gradually increase watering as new leaves develop

Watering while temperatures are still low risks root rot, so be patient.

Find Caudex Plants on Bri-Choku

Bri-Choku offers properly rooted caudex plants from experienced breeders. Browse the caudex plant category to find healthy specimens.