Marlothistella uniondalensis is a pretty little mesemb that is very easy to grow.
Scientific Name
Marlothistella uniondalensis Schwantes
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Marlothistella
Description
Marlothistella uniondalensis is a small succulent plant with thick taproots and long, narrow, gray-green leaves. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall, and its taproots can form a caudex that can reach up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. The leaves are up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) wide, cylindrical at the base and sharply pointed above.
During winter, the plant produces solitary, daisy-like flowers with narrow petals ranging from white and pale pink to magenta. The fruits are 5-locular capsules.
Origin
Marlothistella uniondalensis is native to South Africa. It grows in grasslands or karroid vegetation in the Western Cape province.
Etymology
The specific epithet "uniondalensis (yoo-nee-on-dal-EN-sis)" refers to Uniondale, a small town in the Little Karoo, where the species is found.
How to Grow and Care for Marlothistella uniondalensis
Light: Marlothistella uniondalensis 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 plant healthy, it is most important to know when, how much, and how often to water. During the dormant period, usually in summer, Marlothistella uniondalensis requires little or no water. In the fall, once it grows again, water 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: Although it is usually started from seeds, Marlothistella uniondalensis can be easily propagated by division. Late summer, just before it begins to break dormancy, is the best time to divide the plant, while fall is the ideal time to sow the seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Toxicity of Marlothistella uniondalensis
Marlothistella uniondalensis is considered non-toxic and safe around kids and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Marlothistella
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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