Scientific Name
Argyroderma patens L.Bolus
Common Name(s)
Blue Pebbles, Blue Stone Plants, Ice Plant, Living Rock
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Argyroderma
Etymology
The specific epithet "patens" (pronounced "PAT-ens") means "spreading out or open; patulous" and refers to the open, spreading arrangement of the leaves of this species.
Origin
Argyroderma patens is native to South Africa. It grows in quartz or limonite in Vredendal and Van Rhynsdorp in the Western Cape province.
Description
Argyroderma patens is a dwarf succulent with bodies that consist of two hood-shaped leaves with a wide gap between them. It can form a compact clump of up to 10 bodies with age. The leaves are thick, fleshy, gray-green, measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide. The old leaves turn yellow with age, forming a tight bowl around the base of the new leaves.
The solitary flowers are magenta, pink, yellow, or white and appear in fall and winter. They can reach a diameter of 1.6 inches (4 cm). The fruits are spherical, usually 12-locular capsules.
Argyroderma patens is similar to Argyroderma framesii but larger overall.
How to Grow and Care for Argyroderma patens
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Mesembs are primarily adapted to relatively predictable rainfall patterns rather than extreme drought and irregular rainfall. Total rainfall may be extremely low, but water is available at least seasonally or through fog and condensation. This leads to, or allows, plants that are not especially large and sometimes very small, and affects how they need to be treated in cultivation.
The basics of care are simple: free-draining soil, plenty of sun and ventilation, and regular light watering in the right season. Yet the difficulties are endless, trying to adapt to the Mesembs' adaptability and follow their growth habits in your particular conditions.
These plants require a loam-based compost with extra drainage material such as horticultural grit or perlite. They all like good light conditions and plenty of ventilation.
Some are relatively cold-hardy and can even survive mild winters outside. Most will withstand temperatures down to the freezing point. Some Mesembs begin to grow in the fall as temperatures drop and days get shorter.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Links
- Back to genus Argyroderma
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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