Deilanthe thudichumii and Deilanthe peersii are very similar plants, but their flowers open at different times. The flowers of Deilanthe thudichumii are diurnal and open between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., while those of Deilanthe peersii are nocturnal and open between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Scientific Name
Deilanthe thudichumii (L.Bolus) S.A.Hammer
Synonym(s)
Aloinopsis thudichumii, Nananthus thudichumii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Deilanthe
Etymology
The specific epithet "thudichumii (thoo-dih-KOO-mee-eye)" honors Jacques Thudichum (1893-1985), a Swiss-born horticulturist and plant collector.
Origin
Aloinopsis villetii is native to South Africa. It grows in shaley soils from Loeriesfontein in the Northern Cape to Laingsburg in the Western Cape province.
Description
Deilanthe thudichumii, also known as Aloinopsis thudichumii, is a dwarf, compact succulent that forms rosettes of velvety leaves ranging from gray-green to pearly grey or brownish. The leaves are broader than they are thick and can grow up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in length and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in width.
In the spring, the rosettes produce solitary flowers that can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The diurnal flowers have numerous narrow, yellow to orange-yellow petals with reddish tips. The fruits are 8- to 14-locular capsules with small closing bodies.
How to Grow and Care for Deilanthe thudichumii
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: Deilanthe thudichumii thrives in porous soil, allowing the water to drain away quickly. Thus, 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, and the plant can survive mild frost if kept dry. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 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, Deilanthe thudichumii 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, Deilanthe thudichumii can be easily propagated by division. Late summer, just before it begins to break dormancy, is the best time to divide the plant, while the fall is ideal for sowing the seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloinopsis.
Toxicity of Deilanthe thudichumii
Deilanthe thudichumii is considered non-toxic, so having it around kids and pets is safe.
Links
- Back to genus Deilanthe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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