Glottiphyllum nelii and Glottiphyllum oligocarpum have similar appearances but can be distinguished by their leaves. Glottiphyllum nelii has glossy leaves, while the leaves of Glottiphyllum oligocarpum have a white waxy covering.
Scientific Name
Glottiphyllum nelii Schwantes
Synonym(s)
Glottiphyllum pallens, Glottiphyllum pygmaeum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Glottiphyllum
Etymology
The specific epithet "nelii (NEL-ee-eye)" honors Gert Cornelius Nel (1885-1950), a South African botanist, plant collector, and professor of botany at the University of Stellenbosch.
Origin
Glottiphyllum nelii is native to South Africa. It grows mainly on quartz under bushes from Prince Albert in the Western Cape to Willowmore and Jansenville in the Eastern Cape province.
Description
Glottiphyllum nelii is a dwarf shrub with decumbent branches that bear fleshy tongue-shaped leaves arranged alternately in two opposite rows. It can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) tall and spread up to 12 inches 30 cm) in diameter. The leaves are bright green, sometimes gray-green, with translucent dots and ridges along some margins. They can grow 2 inches (5 cm) long, 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide, and 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) wide. When exposed to intense sunlight, the leaves take on pink, red, or purple hues.
During the fall, Glottiphyllum nelii produces solitary yellow flowers. The fruits are pale brown capsules with 8 to 10 locules and persist in the center of the plant.
How to Grow and Care for Glottiphyllum nelii
Light: Glottiphyllum nelii 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 Glottiphyllum nelii healthy, it is essential to know when, how much, and how often to water. During the dormant period, usually in summer, the plant requires little or no water. When it begins to grow again in the 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 your plant can stay happy in the same pot for years, you can repot it once in a while to give it more space anytime during the growing season. However, the best time is at the beginning of the growing season.
Propagation: Although Glottiphyllum nelii is usually started from seeds, it can also be easily propagated from stem cuttings during the growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Toxicity of Glottiphyllum nelii
Glottiphyllum nelii is considered non-toxic, so having it around kids and pets is safe.
Links
- Back to genus Glottiphyllum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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