Cheiridopsis vanzylii is a small and cute plant, perfect for growers with limited space for growing.
Scientific Name
Cheiridopsis vanzylii L.Bolus
Synonym(s)
Ihlenfeldtia vanzylii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Cheiridopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "vanzylii (van-ZY-lee-eye)" honors Gert H. van Zyl (fl. 1930-1932), postmaster at Pofadder in the Northern Cape, South Africa.
Origin
Cheiridopsis vanzylii is native to South Africa. It grows on white quartzitic slopes in the Northern Cape province.
Description
Cheiridopsis vanzylii, also known as Ihlenfeldtia vanzylii, is a small succulent that forms clumps of fleshy, gray-green leaves with translucent spots. It can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The leaves are triangular in cross-section and grow in pairs fused at the base. They become reddish when exposed to full sun.
During the winter and early spring, Cheiridopsis vanzylii produces solitary, daisy-like flowers with numerous narrow, yellow petals. The flowers can reach up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter, open around midday, and close at sunset. The fruits are capsules with 10 to 15 locules.
How to Grow and Care for Cheiridopsis vanzylii
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 vanzylii 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 vanzylii 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 vanzylii 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 vanzylii
Cheiridopsis vanzylii 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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