Plants are grown for their natural attributes. It can be their beauty, their fruits or their medicinal value to human existence. Most home gardens will grow plants that produce flowers for a vibrant display of colors during the blooming season.

But there are homeowners who prefer plants with more than just beauty to boot. These plants should either edible, can provide natural remedy to certain diseases, or have therapeutic properties to them.

For garden owners who are in search for a plant to grow and even earn from, the Hoodia Gordonii could be worth their time. In modern applications, it is considered as the main ingredient in many diet or weight loss pills.

This plant has been cultivated for its ability to suppress the appetite. In some regions of Africa, the Hoodia Gordonii is used to treat indigestion and infected wounds. But the plant’s succulent meat is used to keep the African tribes satiated for hours especially when traveling great distances across deserts.

It may not be a good addition to a landscaped garden. Despite having its own bloom, the flowers of the Hoodia Gordonii are not as fragrant as expected. Instead, they smell of rotten meat and attract flies.

There are some important steps that potential growers need to know when it comes to growing Hoodia Gordonii. These steps are guide into turning a hobby into a money-making venture for any plant lover.

Growing Hoodia Gordonii At Home

This plant is rare but there are no general laws or policies anywhere in the

world that prohibit backyard cultivation. Luckily, it is not an invasive plant species. The only concern would be containing the smell of the flowers once they are in bloom.

However, just to be on the safe side, contact the national or local government offices that handle such concerns before proceeding with the plan. They may be able to provide some insights on how the plant should be treated especially as a home garden addition.

The best place to grow them is under an atrium or solarium where they are contained. It is better to plant seeds than a cut portion of an existing plant. Its seeds have a light brown color and can easily adapt to any environment whereas the cutlets can be hard to grow because of changes in soil texture or properties.

During the months of October and November, the Hoodia Gordonii plants produce the seeds. These should be semi-dry and possess a split down its middle portion before harvesting them for replanting.

Hoodia Gordonii seeds are flat and have a small lump of hair on one end. In the wild outdoors and in its endemic environment, the seeds survive by hiding under the protection of a nurse plant. This is typically a bush that acts as the seeds haven until it is big enough to survive on its own

The Hoodia Gordonii possesses some features of the cactus. It can go without water for several months. As it evolved into what it is now today, it has learned to adapt to the extreme weather conditions of its original African environment. It retains water which is uses as moisture supply during the dry season.

Because of this attribute, the Hoodia Gordonii should only be watered once every quarter. Pouring too much water can kill the plant. It is important to just pour enough to provide the moisture it needs to last it for three months.

The Hoodia Gordonii grows best under good lighting conditions. But be wary of exposing them under direct sunlight. This is another no-no in spite of their general nature. The soil base should be composed of a mixture of sandy loam and well-rotted, sieved compost.

When planting the seeds, normally in a tray first, the depth should not exceed 0.5 centimeters. Avoid overcrowding a row with seeds. Keep each at a considerable distance from one another to keep them from damping off when germination occurs.

While in its seed stage, it is safe to water the plant four times in a week. Still, avoid pouring too much as excess moisture will lead to rotten seeds. This is under a weather condition with temperatures from 28 degrees and above.

During the cold winter days, it is enough to water them twice a month. Relocated them to a place where they will receive ample lighting in winter.