× Bacurio delphinatifolius

A Cultivated Hybrid of Southern African Succulents

× Bacurio delphinatifolius is a cultivated cross between Baculellum articulatum and Curio rowleyanus. Both parent species come from southern Africa and store water in succulent stems or leaves. The hybrid exists only in cultivation.

Care for water-storing roots and leaves

• Temperature and airflow: Keep frost-free and protect the plant from cold, wet conditions. Moving air around the trailing stems helps the crown and leaf joints dry after watering.
• Light: Provide bright indirect light with gentle morning or late-afternoon sun. In weak light, the stems lengthen with wider gaps and the leaves become smaller and less clearly shaped.
• Water: Water thoroughly after the potting mix has dried well, then let the pot drain. Wrinkling in a dry pot can indicate thirst; wrinkling in wet mix can indicate damaged roots.
• Substrate: Use a gritty succulent mix with a high proportion of pumice, lava, perlite or coarse mineral material. A pot with drainage holes is essential.
• Humidity: Average household humidity is enough for the water-storing leaves. Enclosed, persistently damp conditions increase the risk of rot.
• Feeding: During active growth, small regular amounts of diluted succulent fertiliser replace nutrients used by new stems and leaves. Stop or reduce feeding when growth pauses.
• Leaf care, watering and root care: Trim stretched or bare stems above firm growth. Healthy stem sections can be left to seal briefly, then rooted in a lightly moist, free-draining succulent mix.

Health checks for × Bacurio delphinatifolius

• Long stems with small leaves: Light is too weak. Move the plant gradually closer to a bright window and remove badly stretched growth if needed.
• Wrinkled foliage: Check the potting mix before watering. A dry root ball needs water; wet mix combined with shrivelling points to root damage.
• Soft, yellow or collapsing stems: The roots or stem base may be rotting after prolonged wetness, cold conditions or poor drainage. Remove affected tissue and reroot firm stem tips.
• Pale dry patches: Sudden strong sun can scorch growth raised under softer light. Acclimate the plant gradually to direct sun.
• White cottony clusters: Mealybugs hide at leaf bases and along stems. Isolate the plant and treat all visible insects before they spread.

× Bacurio delphinatifolius is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

× Bacurio delphinatifolius: name and meaning

The hybrid genus name Bacurio blends the parent genus names Baculellum and Curio. The epithet delphinatifolius refers to the leaves’ resemblance to small jumping dolphins.

Gideon F. Smith and Estrela Figueiredo established the hybrid genus × Bacurio in 2020 in Phytotaxa, volume 458, issue 1, page 117.

Gideon F. Smith and Estrela Figueiredo first described × Bacurio delphinatifolius in 2020 in Phytotaxa, volume 458, page 117.