Gerrardanthus macrorhizus, also known as bigfoot, is a species of plant native to southern Africa. It is a popular pot plant.
Bigfoot resists disease well and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs minimal watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. However, smaller plants should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Bigfoott is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much prior care experience.
How to keep Gerrardanthus Macrorhizus.
Light
Bigfoot flourishes under sunlight that isn’t overly intense but still supplies enough exposure for healthy growth. Its roots, originating in habitats where light is diffused rather than overpowering, are adapted to those conditions. Too little light can lead to stunted growth, while too much may cause leaf burn.
Water
Bigfoot thrives in environments that mimic its natural habitat, which features a cycle of moisture and dryness. To support deep root growth and high drought tolerance, it's best to water Bigfoot every three weeks. It is ideally grown outdoors, where its watering schedule can align with the native rain patterns.
Temperature
Bigfoot comes from tropical areas, where the climate is usually warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high heat and humidity. It does not like sudden shifts in temperature and favors a consistently warm environment, so avoiding indoor temperature swings is important. It typically cannot tolerate cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Bigfoot is in early spring, when it comes out of dormancy. This encourages overall growth and flower development. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches, and promotes flowers that are large, vibrant, and long-lasting. It helps transfer nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.
Pruning
Bigfoot features a prominent caudex and trailing vines. To encourage bushier growth and remove dead vines, prune it in early spring. Make sure there is good airflow around the caudex to prevent rot, which will help the plant remain vigorous and attractive. For more detailed techniques, refer to horticultural guides.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Vine
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Gerrardanthus
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 10.06 m
- Mature Spread
- 1.22 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Green, Red, Orange, Black
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique
Other names.
Reader questions.
What are the sunlight requirements for Bigfoot (Gerrardanthus macrorhizus)?
Bigfoot requires about 3-6 hours of sunlight daily, thriving best under conditions that offer a balance of light and shade. It's essential to observe how sunlight moves through your garden to choose the optimal spots for planting, ensuring the plants receive the right amount of light without excessive exposure, which could lead to leaf burn.
How does artificial lighting support the growth of Bigfoot when natural sunlight is insufficient?
When Bigfoot doesn't get enough natural sunlight, especially in winter or less sunny spaces, artificial lighting can be a crucial alternative. It promotes healthier and faster growth by providing adequate light. LED lights are recommended because they can be adjusted to supply the necessary wavelengths of light. Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, and most plants require 8-12 hours of light per day.
What are the symptoms of insufficient light in Bigfoot?
When Bigfoot does not receive enough light, it may show various symptoms indicating light deficiency. These include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, and leaves becoming lighter-colored or developing irregular color patterns, indicating a lack of chlorophyll. Chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching are other potential symptoms of either insufficient light or overexposure to sunlight.
What are the solutions for Bigfoot suffering from insufficient sunlight?
To counteract insufficient sunlight, gradually move your Bigfoot plants to sunnier spots each week until they receive the optimal 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. For indoor plants that are large or not easily movable, consider using artificial light, keeping a lamp on for at least 8 hours daily or investing in professional grow lights. Outdoors, avoid sudden changes in light intensity to prevent sunburn. Minimize obstructions by pruning trees or branches that block sunlight, and consider transplanting smaller plants during their dormant period to a location with better sunlight and drainage. Note that parts of the plant affected by insufficient light may not recover, but new growth should be healthy with improved light conditions.
