Native to the harsh deserts of the Eastern Cape in South Africa, Ledebouria socialis has taken a novel approach to storing water during long periods of desert drought. Leaves grow thickened petiole bases, which layer on top of one another to create somewhat of a ‘bulb’ that holds water and vital nutrients at the base of the stem. Beautiful, strap-shaped leaves are dappled with intricate leopard spots, which are only accentuated when they’re grown under high light, which encourages compact, stubby growth that makes for a very aesthetic form. When one of these lovely little curiosities reaches flowering size, a large, thick stalk will rise from the center of the rosette, which holds dozens of tiny, intricate flowers that bloom in a slow, rhythmic sequence over the course of several days. Nothing more than regular potting mix is required, as long as it’s kept dry.
