Aloinopsis villetii is not accepted as a species, and it is listed as a form of Aloinopsis luckhoffii.
Scientific Name
Aloinopsis villetii (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
Accepted Scientific Name
Aloinopsis luckhoffii (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
Synonym(s)
Nananthus villetii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Aloinopsis
Description
Aloinopsis villetii is a dwarf succulent with a thick rootstock and 2 or 3 leaf pairs to a branch, forming a rosette. The leaves are thick, fleshy, triangular, and covered in pearl-like warts. They are up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) long, 0.45 inches (1.1 cm) wide, and 0.3 inches (0.7 cm) thick.
In late winter, the plant produces flowers with narrow petals that vary in color from salmon, orange, and yellow to cream, often changing from base to tip. The flowers are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are 8- to 10-locular capsules.
Origin
Aloinopsis villetii is native to South Africa (Bushmanland).
Etymology
The specific epithet "villetii (vil-LET-ee-eye)" honors Dr. A.C.T. Villet (fl. 1936-1956), a collector of succulents in South Africa.
How to Grow and Care for Aloinopsis villetii
Light: This succulent requires bright light but not too much direct sunlight. So, a windowsill that receives 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon will be a perfect spot for indoor growing.
Soil: Aloinopsis villetii thrives in porous soil, allowing the water to drain away quickly. Thus, use commercial soil for succulents or make your own well-draining mix.
Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem as long as there is plenty of fresh air, and the plant can survive mild frost if kept dry. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 10 to 50 °F (-12.2 to 10 °C).
Watering: To keep your plant healthy, it is most important to know when, how much, and how often to water. During the dormant period, usually in summer, Aloinopsis villetii requires little or no water. In the fall, once it grows again, water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Fertilizing: As long as you repot this plant every two years, it does not need fertilizer.
Repotting: Even if it can stay happy in the same pot for years, once in a while, you can repot your plant to give it more space anytime during the growing season. However, the best time is at the beginning of the growing season.
Propagation: Although it is usually started from seeds, Aloinopsis villetii can be easily propagated by division. Late summer, just before it begins to break dormancy, is the best time to divide the plant, while the fall is ideal for sowing the seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloinopsis.
Toxicity of Aloinopsis villetii
Aloinopsis villetii is considered non-toxic, so having it around kids and pets is safe.
Links
- Back to genus Aloinopsis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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