Scientific Name
Argyroderma patens L.Bolus
Common Name(s)
Blue Stone Plants, Blue Pebbles, Living Rock, Ice Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Argyroderma
Description
Argyroderma patens is a succulent plant with bodies of paired fleshy leaves, either solitary or in clusters. The leaves are gray-green to silvery-blue, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide, half-ovoid, rounded, and slightly compressed and keeled below. The flowers are up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter and appear late in fall or winter. Flower colors range from white to yellow and magenta to purple.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Mesembs are mostly 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 very 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 a freezing point. Some Mesembs begin to grow in the fall as the temperature drops and the days get shorter.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Origin
Native to South Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Argyroderma
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
