Hey Plant Friends!

This week we are talking about Cynanchum marnierianum, more commonly and easily known as Bundle of Sticks. This plant is native to Madagascar and belongs to the Apocynaceae plant family along with Hoya and String of Hearts. Bundle of Sticks is a fitting name as it looks like, well, a bundle of dead sticks. This oddity is rarely seen in the plant world. If you are a collector of plant weirdos this is a must add to your collection! Bundle of sticks are known for their reddish-brown foliage and alien-like flowers. In nature, these plants are perfectly camouflaged amongst grasses and stones because they look dead! Sometimes ugly is beautiful once you understand the plant and realize how incredible nature is.

Let’s talk about care. Bundle of sticks thrive in very bright light. This ensures optimal growth and color expression. Low light yields greener foliage and slowed growth. When repotting, we recommend a soil with sharp drainage. Sol Soils Cactus Gritty Mix is a great option. When watering, allow the soil to dry down almost all the way. During the summer months you may find yourself watering a bit more considering longer days, warmer temperatures, and brighter light. Water at the sink to give it a good soak until water drains out the bottom of the pot. During darker, winter months cut back on watering significantly as this is when growth slows. Flowers resemble a small green orb with a white center. Fertilize during active growth with Schultz All Purpose Liquid Plant Food to encourage blooms. Keep an eye out for common pests such as mealy bugs, scale, and spider mites. Check for pests weekly when watering and keep a bottle of Bonide’s Insecticidal Soap on hand for easy treatment.

Cynanchum marnierianum is available at Tonkadale in 4” pots. If you have additional questions feel free to reach out by phone, Instagram, or email us at hello@tonkadale.com.

Happy Planting!