Scientific Name
Frithia humilis Burgoyne
Common Name(s)
Fairy Elephant's Feet, Baby Toes, Window Plants
Synonym(s)
Frithia pulchra var. minor
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Frithia
Origin
Frithia humilis is native to South Africa (Gauteng, Mpumalanga).
Description
Frithia humilis is a dwarf, stemless succulent that consists of a thickened, underground rootstock and a cluster of finger-like leaves that stick out just above the soil surface. The leaves are grey-green and windowed at the tips.
The flowers are white with a yellow center, sometimes tipped with light pink. They are stalkless or borne singly on very short stalks and can reach about 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Frithias are summer growers and relatively easy to cultivate. They need light, sporadic watering during their winter resting period and moderate sprinkling in summer, as they are rot-prone if kept too moist when the heat turns off their growth cycle. Gritty, well-drained soil containing a small amount of organic material will keep these species happy.
These succulent plants can be grown in pots or out of doors in a rockery. Soak the compost fully, but let it dry out perfectly between waterings. Underwatering can lead to disastrous results, so be generous with water in summer. Nearly all problems occur due to overwatering and poor ventilation, especially when weather conditions are dull and cool or very humid. Keep dry in the winter. They do well in full blazing sun and with some shade in summer.
Frithias can be grown from seed, sown in a gritty sandstone medium, or propagated vegetatively by division.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Frithia.
Links
- Back to genus Frithia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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