Gibbaeum shandii is a cute, small plant with distinctively asymmetrical pairs of leaves.
Scientific Name
Gibbaeum shandii N.E.Br.
Synonym(s)
Gibbaeum pubescens subsp. shandii, Mesembryanthemum shandii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Gibbaeum
Etymology
The specific epithet "shandii (SHAN-dee-eye)" honors John Shand (fl. # 1920), magistrate in Ladismith, Western Cape, South Africa.
Origin
Gibbaeum shandii is native to South Africa. It grows on quartzite slopes in the Western Cape province.
Description
Gibbaeum shandii is a dwarf succulent that forms a clump of pairs of unequal, finger-like leaves joined at the base, resembling a shark's mouth. The plant can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in height and a diameter of more than 4 inches (10 cm). It has short, woody stems with remains of old leaves. The leaves are finely hairy and vary from dark green to brownish-green.
In winter, the plant produces long-lasting, daisy-like flowers that are usually purple to magenta in color or sometimes white. The fruits are 6-locular capsules.
How to Grow and Care for Gibbaeum shandii
Light: Gibbaeum shandii 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: 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 Gibbaeum shandii 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 dividing clumps, which is quite simple. Another option is to start from seeds by sowing them in well-draining soil during spring. The best time for dividing is late spring or early summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Toxicity of Gibbaeum shandii
Gibbaeum shandii is considered non-toxic and safe around kids and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Gibbaeum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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