Ebracteola derenbergiana can be easily grown in pots or rock gardens, making it a great addition to any plant collection. You can enjoy its beauty for a long time with minimal attention and care.
Scientific Name
Ebracteola derenbergiana (Dinter) Dinter & Schwantes
Synonym(s)
Bergeranthus derenbergianus, Mesembryanthemum derenbergianum, Ruschia derenbergiana
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Ebracteola
Etymology
The specific epithet "derenbergiana (der-en-BERG-ee-AY-nuh)" honors Julius Derenberg (1873-1928), a German physician and plant collector with a special interest in Mesembs. He was a friend to the author of the name Moritz Kurt Dinter (1868-1945).
Origin
The native range of Ebracteola derenbergiana is from southern Namibia to northern Richtersveld in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It grows in finely-grained soils.
Description
Ebracteola derenbergiana is a small succulent that grows in compact clumps of tightly packed rosettes consisting of dotted gray-green leaves arranged in pairs. It has a thick root system and can reach a height of up to 4 inches (10 cm). The leaves are 3-sided with a rounded keel and margins.
During the fall, Ebracteola derenbergiana produces pink flowers on short stalks. The flowers are paler towards the base and have filamentous staminodes and white stamens arranged in a cone. The fruits are 5-locular, funnel-shaped capsules that persist in the center of the rosettes.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care for Ebracteola derenbergiana
Light: Ebracteola derenbergiana 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: The plant 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: As long as there is plenty of fresh air, high temperatures are not a problem for this plant. Additionally, it is able to withstand frost. 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 Ebracteola derenbergiana healthy, it is most important to know when, how much, and how often to water it. During the dormant period, usually in winter, the plant requires little or no water. From spring to fall, water it 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: One way to propagate this plant is by stem cuttings during the growing season, which is quite simple. Another option is to start it from seeds by sowing them in well-draining soil during the spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Toxicity of Ebracteola derenbergiana
Ebracteola derenbergiana is considered non-toxic and safe around kids and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Ebracteola
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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