Hoodia bainii was first described in 1878 and is a form of Hoodia gordonii.
While the plant resembles a cactus plant, it is a succulent in the milkweed or Asclepiadaceae family. Of all of the Hoodia species, Hoodia bainii is the most common.
While it looks like a cactus with its branched and spiny appearance, you can distinguish the two by the plant’s tubercles that end in long spines.
In its juvenile stage, Hoodia bainii has a single, erect stem, but the plant produces clusters of upright stems as it matures.
A mature Hoodia bainii plant can have 50 individual branches.
In its native habitat of South Africa, the plants may live up to 15 years, but in ideal conditions, they can live for up to 25 years.
Hoodia bainii plants are medium-sized, growing to 1 or 1 ½’ feet tall.
While similar to the Hoodia gordonii, the flowers of Hoodia bainii are usually smaller and have a very unappealing scent.
In addition, the flowers are saucer-shaped and have a yellow appearance.
However, the two plants are so similar that it is often difficult to tell them apart, so many consider Hoodia bainii and Hoodia gordonii synonymous.
While the plant can be grown indoors, beware that its flowers have a very unpleasant smell, meant to attract carrion flies.
Some say that the fragrance is similar to rotting meat.
Some of the common names of Hoodia bainii are:
- Hoodia
- Kalahari cactus
- African Hats
- Queen of the Namib
- Bushman’s Hat
Quick Facts On Hoodia Bainii
- Family: Asclepiadaceae
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 80° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Regular watering during the growing season
- Fertilizer: Cactus fertilizer monthly during the growing season
- Propagation: Cuttings or seed
- Common Problems: Root rot
Hoodia Bainii Plant Care
What Does The Hoodia Plant Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Hoodia Bainii plant looks like a cactus, but it’s a succulent in the Milkweed family.
When young, the plant starts with one erect stem, but multiple branches grow from the base as it matures. Some H. Bainii plants grow up to 50 branches.
However, it doesn’t grow very tall, only up to 1 ½’ feet.
The spines of the Hoodia Bainii are very useful, protecting it from preying herbivores.
In addition, the spines reduce water loss by creating a thick layer of air saturated with water vapor next to its surface.
This saturated air reduces water loss due to evaporation. The plant’s spines also disperse the sun’s rays.
When Does The Hoodia Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The H. Bainii plant usually flowers in August or September, but it takes about five years for the plant to mature enough to bloom.
The flowers are uniquely saucer-shaped and have a yellow appearance. However, the flowers smell like rotten meat and are pollinated mainly by carrion flies.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The Hoodia Bainii plant thrives in full sun, either by a window or outdoors.
It thrives in temperatures between 80° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit but will tolerate winter temperatures down to 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Hoodia Plant?
During the spring and summer, it’s essential to regularly water the Hoodia Bainii. However, let the soil completely dry before you water again.
Allowing the soil to dry out first will ensure you do not overwater your plant.
Overwatering the Hoodia plant is a big problem because it can cause root rot.
During the plant’s winter rest time, water very sparingly. It is better to underwater the plant than potentially overwater it.
If you underwater the plant, you will notice that it will begin to wither. Underwatering is a much easier fix than overwatering.
During the spring and summer, feed your Hoodia Bainii monthly with a cactus fertilizer. Once the resting period begins, no fertilizer is needed.
What Is The Best Soil For the Hoodia Bainii, And When Should You Transplant?
The Hoodia Bainii thrives in a well-draining cactus mix. Some gardeners even place pea gravel or broken pieces of a terracotta pot to encourage drainage.
Repotting is recommended every 2 to 3 years as necessary. When repotting, use a good cactus soil mix and ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
Does The Hoodia Bainii Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
The Hoodia Bainii does not require special grooming or maintenance, making it an easy plant to own.
The plant should thrive as long as you keep it adequately watered (without overwatering it) and in full sun with moderate temperatures.
How To Propagate Hoodia Plant?
While propagation can be done by seeds or cuttings, cuttings are a lot easier. Hoodia seeds germinate quickly, but the baby seedings often rot.
When propagating by cuttings, here’s what you need to do:
- Use a clean pair of pruning shears to cut off a healthy Hoodia stem.
- Next, let the cut part of the stem callous over.
- Once the cut part is dry, place it in a pot of moistened cactus soil.
Your new Hoodia plant should thrive as long as it is exposed to adequate sunlight and warm temperatures.
Kalahari Cactus Pests And Diseases
The Hoodia bainii or Kalahari Cactus Plant is not susceptible to many pests or diseases but is prone to root rot from overwatering, especially in winter.
When watering, let the soil dry out completely before the next watering. Your plant can handle underwatering much easier than overwatering.
However, if your Kalahari Cactus plant shows signs of withering, you know you need to water it a little bit more.
However, if your plant is overwatered, there is nothing to do to save it from root rot.
Suggested Queen Of The Nabib Plant Uses
While this plant is not a cactus, its cactus-like appearance allows it to grow among groups of true cacti, and no one would know the difference.
The Hoodia Bainii or Queen of the Nabib Plant is a medium-sized, low-maintenance plant that is great for beginners.
However, you probably want to limit the plant to outdoors when it’s nearing maturity, as the flowers are known to be unmistakably noxious smelling.
The plant is best suited in a warm and dry climate, where it can live among other cacti and succulents with low-water needs.
It’s probably best away from entryways, as its foul-smelling blooms may turn people away.
However, it is unique and low-maintenance and will bring an exciting appeal to your succulent garden.