Welwitschia mirabilis seedlings first develop their cotyledons (seed leaves), and then they develop two genuine leaves. The plant will only ever produce the extremely robust true leaves. They develop continuously for the whole of the plant’s life, reaching a maximum length of 13 feet.
Because the plants are dioecious, the male and female blooms grow on different plants. In the plant’s native region, insects perform the pollination process, and W. mirabilis can grow into enormous colonies in the right environments.
A monotypic genus of plant, W. mirabilis is the only living member of the family Welwitschiaceae and is sometimes referred to as a “living fossil.” The oldest live W. mirabilis is reported to be about 2000 years old, and other specimens are supposed to be over 1000 years old!
Growing Conditions
Sandy and well-drained soil is required, such as 2 parts sand: Compost (leaf mold) and enough of sterilized, well-mixed bonemeal are used in place of one part loam. Before planting, properly moisten the soil. If using a container, plant two or three seeds in the center of each one.
Select a warm, well-ventilated environment, preferably under filtered sunshine. The plants are extremely susceptible to abrupt changes in light level. Never transplant a plant from shade to full sun; the leaves will burn, and the plant might never fully recover and eventually perish.
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