Cyphostemma Juttae- Transplanting Mistakes

[5150cycad]

I was really excited last year (November) when a friend of mine decided to give me a Cyphostemma Juttae. I dug it out of his yard and brought it to my house and planted it in its new location that same day. As with all of my cycad transplants, I assumed it was going to be just as easy so I dug a hole and plopped it in. Very BAD decision. I should have done my research and not rushed the transplant. Three weeks later I decided to dig it up and put it in my greenhouse because it was looking stressed, plus we were expecting a cold front with a lot of wet weather. When I dug it up most of the roots were completely rotted, some even 1/2" deep into the actual stem. I cut the salvageable roots back far enough to see clean healthy roots. I then used a spoon to cut out the rotting portion of the stem. After all of the rot was cleaned out I drenched the area with hydrogen peroxide. I then sprinkled rooting hormone all over the roots and the bottom of the stem and let it dry out for a couple days. Once the roots where somewhat healed over, I transplanted the plant into a trash can with 100% perlite and left it in the greenhouse for the rest of the winter.  I am happy to say that it is doing well and it should make a 100% recovery. I hear that these plants can be very finicky and really hate cold/wet weather. I am going to donate the plant to the San Diego (Quail) Botanical Gardens.  I am kinda bummed because I really like this plant but I figure it is best to put it in a location where it will thrive rather than take the risk of losing it. 

[V-Cycle]

Very nice of you.

[msporty]

A very nice sentiment to share the plant with others. I remember the original post you made about this plant. I hope you don't give up on the genus -- they are beautiful plants and aren't any more difficult than cycads. While they are summer growers, established plants tolerate winter rain and surivive if some roots perish. I think the recent transplantation was more likely the cause of your woes. Sounds like you did a bang up job saving the plant.

 

Do you grow Tylecodons? They're winter growers and have the same interesting caudices. No irrigation needed.

[5150cycad]

17 minutes ago, msporty said:

A very nice sentiment to share the plant with others. I remember the original post you made about this plant. I hope you don't give up on the genus -- they are beautiful plants and aren't any more difficult than cycads. While they are summer growers, established plants tolerate winter rain and surivive if some roots perish. I think the recent transplantation was more likely the cause of your woes. Sounds like you did a bang up job saving the plant.

 

Do you grow Tylecodons? They're winter growers and have the same interesting caudices. No irrigation needed.

To be honest, the plant is so big that it looked out of place no matter where I put it. I love this genus and won't give up on them. I might just start off with something a little smaller. I should have spent the time and did the transplant the right way. This plant is very large anyway and I feel it would be more appreciated at a place like a botanical garden where it could be enjoyed by everyone. Plus the seeds are very poisoness and I have a little boy and a puppy that will both eat anything they can fit into their mouths.  I have not personally grown Tylecodons but I do know what they are and love them. I really like caudiform plants and trees (boba like) that form the really fat trunks. They are unique and compliment cycads very well. Thanks for the reply.