Scientific Name
Pleiospilos nelii 'Royal Flush'
Common Name(s)
Split Rock
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Pleiospilos
Origin
Pleiospilos nelii 'Royal Flush' is a highly desirable cultivar of Pleiospilos nelii.
Description
Pleiospilos nelii 'Royal Flush' is a dwarf succulent with 2 or 4 opposite, almost hemispherical leaves that usually range from rose to purple and have many raised, tiny, dark dots scattered over the surfaces. It can grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) tall and 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, producing a new pair of leaves each year.
This cultivar has deep rose flowers with a white center. The daisy-like flowers can reach up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter and usually appear in early spring. They open in mid-afternoon and close just after sunset.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Mesembs are mostly adapted to relatively predictable rainfall patterns rather than extreme drought and irregular rainfall. Total rainfall may be extremely low, but water is available at least seasonally or through fog and condensation. This leads to or allows plants that are not especially large and sometimes very small and affect how they need to be treated in cultivation.
The basics of care are simple: free-draining soil, plenty of sun and ventilation, and regular light watering in the right season. Yet the difficulties are endless, trying to adapt to the Mesembs' adaptability and follow their growth habits in your particular conditions.
These plants require a loam-based compost with extra drainage material, such as horticultural grit or perlite. They also like good light conditions and plenty of ventilation.
Some are relatively cold-hardy and can even survive mild winters outside. Most will survive temperatures down to the freezing point. Some Mesembs begin to grow in the fall as the temperature drops and the days get shorter.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Links
- Back to genus Pleiospilos
- 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.
