Hereroa fimbriata is a a lovely small plant that is similar to Hereroa crassa and Hereroa joubertii.
Scientific Name
Hereroa fimbriata L.Bolus
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Hereroa
Etymology
The specific epithet "fimbriata (pronounced fim-bry-AH-tuh) means "fringed, fibrous."
Origin
Hereroa fimbriata is native to South Africa. It grows in shaley rocky places in Prince Albert in the Western Cape province.
Description
Hereroa fimbriata is a small succulent shrub with finger-like leaves that grow along the entire length of its upright branches. It can reach a height of up to 14 inches (35 cm) and has gray-green leaves, often with red tips.
During winter and spring, Hereroa fimbriata produces solitary on short stalks. The flowers are yellow with reddish tips and typically open in the late afternoon or evening. The fruits are five-locular capsules that can grow up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Hereroa fimbriata
Light: Hereroa fimbriata 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 fimbriata healthy, it is essential to know when, how much, and how often to water the plant. During its dormant period, typically in the summer, the plant needs little or no water. Water it thoroughly when it starts to grow again in the fall, allowing the soil to dry out 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 occasionally repot it to give it more space during the growing season. The best time to do this is at the beginning of the growing season.
Propagation: Although Hereroa fimbriata 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 fimbriata
Hereroa fimbriata 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
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