Cow Udder Plant

The spiked cow udder plant is one to two meters tall shrub with large leaves and funny aubergine-like fruits. When it blooms, it first shows light purple buds, from which dark purple flowers develop and then the eight centimeters large, bright yellow fruits that are reminiscent of a cow’s udder with their numerous bulges. The fun plant can be grown well indoors. Since the fruits stay on the stems for a long time, they can also be used as vase decorations.

Natural habitat
The original home of the cow udder plant is northern South America, where it grows exclusively in tropical areas.

Cultivation
The cultivation from seeds is possible in the house all year round. First let the seeds soak in room warm water for 12 hours in order to increase the germination capacity. Then sprinkle the seeds on moist potting soil and cover them only a little with the growing medium. Cover the cultivation vessel with cling film, which you have provided with holes. This protects the earth from drying out. Every two to three days you should remove the film for 2 hours. This prevents mold from forming on the potting soil. Place the cultivation vessel in a light and warm place with a temperature of around 25 ° Celsius and keep the cultivation soil moist, but not wet. It usually takes two to three weeks for germination; but sometimes it can take up to eight weeks.

Location
The cow udder plant loves sunny locations as a tropical plant. She can also spend the summer in a sheltered, sunny place outdoors.

Care
Water the plant vigorously as soon as the top layer of soil has dried, but avoid waterlogging (for example due to residual water in the saucer). During the growth phase, the cow udder plant needs liquid potted plant fertilizer every three weeks.

Winter
The cow udder plant hibernates best in light and frost-free conditions at 8 ° to 12 ° Celsius. Now only pour enough that the root ball does not dry out.