Argyroderma patens - Blue Stone Plants

Scientific Name

Argyroderma patens L.Bolus

Common Names

Blue Stone Plants, Blue Pebbles, Living Rock, Ice Plant

Scientific Classification

Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Argyroderma

Description

Argyroderma patens is a succulent plant that consist of a pair of fleshy leaves, either singly or in clusters. The leaves are up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall and up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) wide, half-ovoid, rounded slightly compressed and keeled below, silvery-blue to grayish-silver, older leaves rusty-brown, with a v-shaped fissure. The flowers are up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter, daisy like, purple or magenta-pink. Flowers appear late in autumn or winter.

Photo via lithops.hu

How to Grow and Care

The basics of Mesemb care are very simple, with 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' own adaptability and to follow their growth habits in your particular conditions.

Mesembs require a loam-based compost with the addition of 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 survive temperatures down to freezing point. There are some Mesembs which begin to grow in the autumn as the temperature drops and the days get shorter.

Because different genera within the Mesemb family have different growing conditions, care mast be taken with watering. Some genera will benefit from a light spray water to prevent shrivelling during their dormant period… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.