Brighamia: The Rare Hawaiian Cabbage on a Stick That’s Worth Growing
If you’re looking for a conversation starter that doubles as a living piece of Hawaiian history, meet Brighamia – one of the most unusual and fascinating native plants you can grow. This quirky succulent, sometimes affectionately called cabbage on a stick, is as unique as it is rare, making it a truly special addition to the right garden or plant collection.
What Makes Brighamia Special?
Brighamia is a perennial succulent native exclusively to Hawaii, where it clings to dramatic sea cliffs on the islands of Kauai and Niihau. This multi-stemmed woody plant typically grows to about 13-16 feet in its natural habitat, though container specimens usually stay much smaller and more manageable.
What sets Brighamia apart is its distinctive architecture: a thick, bottle-shaped trunk topped with a rosette of large, oval leaves that really does look like a cabbage perched on a stick. When it blooms, clusters of tubular yellow or white flowers emerge from the leaf crown, creating an almost otherworldly appearance.
Where Does Brighamia Come From?
This remarkable plant is found naturally only in Hawaii, making it a true Hawaiian endemic. In the wild, Brighamia species grow on sea cliffs where they’ve adapted to harsh coastal conditions including salt spray, intense sun, and minimal soil.
A Word About Rarity
Here’s something important every gardener should know: Brighamia is critically endangered in the wild. If you’re interested in growing this plant, it’s essential to source it only from reputable nurseries that propagate from existing cultivated plants – never from wild-collected specimens. By growing responsibly sourced Brighamia, you’re actually participating in conservation efforts to keep this species alive.
Is Brighamia Right for Your Garden?
Brighamia works wonderfully as:
- A specimen plant in rock gardens or xeriscapes
- A unique addition to succulent collections
- A container plant that can move indoors during cold weather
- An educational plant for those interested in Hawaiian flora and conservation
This plant is perfect for gardeners who appreciate unusual forms and don’t mind giving a plant some special attention. It’s definitely a look but don’t touch too much kind of plant that rewards patience and careful care.
Growing Conditions and Care
Brighamia is suited for USDA hardiness zones 10-12, but don’t let that discourage you if you live in a cooler climate – it makes an excellent container plant that can spend summers outdoors and winters inside.
Light: Bright, indirect light indoors or partial sun outdoors. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.
Soil: Well-draining is absolutely critical. Use a cactus and succulent potting mix, or create your own with regular potting soil mixed with perlite and sand.
Watering: This is where many people go wrong. Water thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In winter, water even less. Overwatering is the fastest way to kill a Brighamia.
Temperature: Keep above 50°F (10°C). Bring container plants indoors before the first frost.
Planting and Care Tips
- Start with a container – even in warm climates, pots give you better control over drainage and soil conditions
- Use a pot with drainage holes (this cannot be overstated!)
- Water in the morning so excess moisture can evaporate during the day
- Fertilize sparingly with a diluted, balanced fertilizer during the growing season
- Be patient – Brighamia grows slowly, which is part of its charm
- Watch for pests like aphids or scale, especially on indoor plants
The Bottom Line
Brighamia isn’t the easiest plant to grow, and it’s certainly not the fastest, but for the right gardener, it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll be growing a piece of Hawaiian natural history while participating in conservation efforts for one of the world’s most endangered plants. Plus, you’ll have the coolest-looking plant in your neighborhood – guaranteed.
Just remember: source responsibly, water carefully, and prepare to become the person everyone asks about that weird plant with the cabbage on top. Trust us, it’s a good conversation to have.
