Cheiridopsis imitans is a small, densely clumped succulent with fleshy leaves and beautiful daisy-like flowers.
Scientific Name
Cheiridopsis imitans L.Bolus
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Cheiridopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "imitans (pronounced IM-ih-tans)" means "imitating, copying" and refers to the semblance of the crowded old leaves to those of a Cephalophyllum.
Origin
Cheiridopsis imitans is native to South Africa. It occurs on quartzite flats in the Kamiesberg Mountains in the Northern Cape province.
Description
Cheiridopsis imitans is a succulent subshrub with a thick rootstock and gray-green leaves that grow in pairs and turn reddish to dark brown as they age. It can reach 3.2 inches (8 cm) in height and 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The old leaves remain for a long time, forming a partial sheath around the lower part of the new leaf pair.
During the spring, Cheiridopsis imitans produces eye-catching flowers. They can measure up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter, have numerous narrow, dull yellow petals, and appear on a short stalk. Once the flowers are pollinated, they turn into 10-locular capsules with pear-shaped brownish seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Cheiridopsis imitans
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 imitans 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 important to know when, how much, and how often to water. During the dormant period, usually in summer, Cheiridopsis imitans requires little or no water. Once it grows again in the fall, 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 your plant can stay happy in the same pot for years, you can repot it occasionally to give it more space during the growing season. However, the best time is at the beginning of the season.
Propagation: Although Cheiridopsis imitans is usually started from seeds, it can also be easily propagated by division. The best time to divide the plant is late summer, just before it begins to break dormancy, while fall is ideal for sowing the seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Toxicity of Cheiridopsis imitans
Cheiridopsis imitans 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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