She truly is an south african girl and as such she is still growing in her south african rhythm. The first shoot will sprout around July or August. The growing season will last until March, April or May the following year. There allways is a slight variation in the beginning and ending of the growing season.
The culture of these "TURTLE BACKS ", as they are called in South Africa, is very easy. The plant itself tells you when to water and fertilize. When the first shoot squints out of the body it is time to put it in full sun and water it. The "TURTLE BACK " needs no shadow as it builds its own shadowing by its leaves and vines. I water and fertilize it in the same way i do with my cacti. It depends on the spring and summer weather how often and how much it will be done. Keep allways in mind that it is a desert plant.
I use the same substrate as for my cacti. No humus will be added because my "TURTLE BACK " stands unprotected from the weather and i dare not to risk rotting caused by wet humus. You may add humus if you like. It surely will not harm the plant. On the contrary the plant will grow much bigger and faster. But pay attention to the watering and cold and wet weather!
Last but not least, the "TURTLE BACK " is a very easy to cultivate and beautiful plant. The older and bigger it grows the more beautiful it will become.
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