Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light to partial sun. It can tolerate some gentle direct sun, especially in the morning, but should be protected from harsh midday rays. In lower light conditions, the vine may become leggy or sparse.
Watering Needs: Water moderately during the active growing season (typically fall through spring), allowing the top half of the soil to dry out between waterings. In summer, when the plant goes dormant and the vine dies back, reduce watering significantly or stop completely until new growth resumes.
Soil Preference: Use a sharply draining cactus or succulent mix. A sandy or gritty soil blend with added pumice or perlite is ideal to prevent rot, especially around the bulb.
How to Fertilize: Fertilize once a month during the active growing season with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. Do not fertilize during dormancy.
Hardiness Zone: Suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 10–11. It is not frost-tolerant and should be grown indoors or protected in cooler climates. Keep temperatures above 50°F (10°C).
Pet Safety: Mildly toxic to pets. Ingestion of the bulb may cause gastrointestinal irritation. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
Additional Care Tips: Bowiea volubilis is a unique, bulb-forming succulent with a vining green stem that looks like delicate asparagus fern. The bulb should sit above the soil line and should not be buried. Provide a small trellis or support for the vine to climb. During dormancy, the bulb may appear inactive for several months—this is normal. Resume watering when new shoots emerge. Repot every few years in early fall when growth resumes, and propagate by separating offsets from the main bulb.
