Cabbage-on-a-stick
brighamia insignis
Also known as: ["Alula","Cabbage tree"]
Overview
A rare, endangered Hawaiian plant with a thick, succulent stem and large, lobed leaves, often cultivated for its unique appearance.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Brighamia |
| Botanical Name: | Brighamia insignis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: protected outdoor spot or indoor container with bright light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than 20% of foliage at once.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense sun to prevent scorching; place near east-facing windows indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
challengingmoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light or partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting the leaves.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; top-dress with fresh mix annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but not frost; prefers stable conditions.
Avoid drafty areas; maintain stable temperatures; protect from sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of basal offsets.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting, let it callus, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots may form in 4–6 weeks; new growth in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems to encourage branching; remove yellow or dead leaves at the base.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain shape and health; encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, remove dead/damaged parts, shape as desired, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, inspect roots, position plant correctly, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid leaf wetting, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme cold; wilting or leaf burn in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to root rot.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Brighamia insignis. The plant's effects are generally not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Brighamia insignis can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant does not typically cause severe toxicity but may cause irritation to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicBrighamia insignis contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant's physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract due to its slightly abrasive nature and presence of minor irritants.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Brighamia insignis endangered?
A: Yes, it is critically endangered in its native habitat.
Q: How often should I water Brighamia insignis?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Brighamia insignis produce flowers?
A: Yes, it produces fragrant, yellow, bell-shaped flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | challenging |
| Light: | bright, indirect light or part |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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