Cheiridopsis caroli-schmidtii is a cute plant from Namibia, ideal for growers with limited growing space.
Scientific Name
Cheiridopsis caroli-schmidtii (Dinter & Berger) N.E.Br.
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum caroli-schmidtii, Mesembryanthemum puberulum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Cheiridopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "caroli-schmidtii (kar-OH-lee SHMIDT-ee-eye)" honors Carl Schmidt, the owner of Haage & Schmidt Nursery in Erfurt, Germany.
Origin
Cheiridopsis caroli-schmidtii is native to Namibia. It grows in shallow pans of gneiss between Aus and Lüderitz.
Description
Cheiridopsis caroli-schmidtii is a small succulent with gray-green leaves spotted with translucent dots. It has short or no stem and can grow up to 5 inches (5 cm) tall and 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, forming a dense clump with age. The leaves are fleshy, triangular in cross-section, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long, and grow in pairs fused at the base. During the summer, the foliage can dry out so much that the plant can be mistaken for dead.
In the spring, the plant produces stalked, daisy-like flowers with narrow, chrome-yellow petals. The flowers open during the day and can reach up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are 10-locular capsules up to 0.45 inches (1.1 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Cheiridopsis caroli-schmidtii
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: Cheiridopsis caroli-schmidtii thrives in porous soil, allowing the water to drain away quickly. Therefore, 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, but this plant is not cold-hardy. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 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, Cheiridopsis caroli-schmidtii 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, Cheiridopsis caroli-schmidtii can also be easily propagated by division. Late summer, just before the plant begins to break dormancy, is the best time to divide it, while the fall is ideal for sowing the seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Toxicity of Cheiridopsis caroli-schmidtii
Cheiridopsis caroli-schmidtii is considered non-toxic, so having it around kids and pets is safe.
Links
- Back to genus Cheiridopsis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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