Dendrosicyos socotrana

Dendrosicyos socotrana
The fabled “cucumber tree” of Socotra

Dendrosicyos socotrana is one of the most extraordinary plants in the world—and one of the crown jewels for serious caudiciform and succulent collectors. Endemic to the remote island of Socotra off the coast of Yemen, it is the only tree-forming member of the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae), with a swollen, water-storing trunk and sparse canopy of feathery foliage.

Its strange silhouette—like a bottle tree crossed with a cucumber vine—looks like something from a prehistoric landscape. In habitat, it can reach several meters tall, but in cultivation it grows more slowly, often trained and displayed as a sculptural specimen in large pots.

Collectors get genuinely excited when this plant appears for sale; it is extremely rare in cultivation due to both its remote origin and strict export regulations from Socotra. For many, it’s a “bucket list” species.

Light: Bright gentle light to full sun. Needs plenty of light to maintain a healthy trunk and growth habit.
Temperature: Warmth-loving (65–95°F). Protect from temps below 55°F.
Humidity: Adaptable to most humidity levels, but requires good airflow.
Water: In active growth, water deeply and then allow the soil to dry. Reduce dramatically in winter dormancy.
Soil: Extremely well-draining cactus/caudiciform mix with added pumice or perlite.
Fertilizer: Monthly in the growing season with diluted cactus fertilizer.

How to grow Dendrosicyos socotrana indoors:
Place in the brightest possible location—ideally a sunny south-facing window or under strong grow lights. Use a potting mix designed for caudiciforms, and avoid letting water sit around the roots. During winter dormancy, reduce watering to a bare minimum to prevent rot. If your tap water is high in minerals, use distilled or filtered—Hetch Hetchy water is generally fine.

How to grow Dendrosicyos socotrana outdoors in the Bay Area:
Only suitable for outdoor growth in the warmest, frost-free microclimates, and always in a container to allow for winter protection. Place in full sun with excellent drainage. Bring indoors before nights drop below 55°F.

Pet safe: No—likely toxic if ingested (typical of many cucurbit relatives)
Difficulty: Advanced. Highly rewarding for experienced growers with the right conditions and patience.