Hereroa aspera is a beautiful little plant that only requires minimal maintenance.
Scientific Name
Hereroa aspera L.Bolus
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Hereroa
Etymology
The specific epithet "aspera (AS-per-uh) means "rough, uneven, coarse, sharp" and refers to the texture of the leaves.
Origin
Hereroa aspera is native to South Africa. It grows in gravelly flats, mainly in Little Karoo but also on the southern slopes of the Langeberg near Swellendam in the Western Cape province.
Description
Hereroa aspera is a succulent shrublet with short, erect to spreading branches and paired, finger-like leaves. It can grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) tall. The leaves are nearly cylindrical, inclined, and rough, measuring up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. They are gray-green, often with red tips.
During winter and spring, Hereroa aspera produces solitary flowers on short stalks. The flowers are yellow with reddish tips and can reach up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter. They open in the late afternoon or evening. The fruits are five-locular capsules covered by tiny closing bodies.
How to Grow and Care for Hereroa aspera
Light: Hereroa aspera 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 Hereroa aspera 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 Hereroa aspera 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 Hereroa aspera
Hereroa aspera is considered non-toxic, so having it around kids and pets is safe.
Links
- Back to genus Hereroa
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
