Scientific Name
Prepodesma orpenii (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br.
Synonym(s)
Aloinopsis orpeniae, Aloinopsis orpenii, Mesembryanthemum orpenii, Nananthus orpenii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Prepodesma
Origin
Prepodesma orpenii is native to South Africa (Northern Cape).
Description
Prepodesma orpenii, also known as Aloinopsis orpenii, is a small succulent that forms compact clumps of rosettes of 2 to 4 pairs of bluish-green, often purple-tinged leaves with small dark spots. The leaves are boat-shaped, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long, and up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) wide and thick.
The flowers are solitary, bright yellow or whitish-yellow, often reddish below, and appear in spring. They are up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
These plants are popular among collectors. They prefer a very porous potting mix to increase drainage. Aloinopsis are winter growers and need plenty of light. Most are somewhat to highly cold-hardy and bloom in the winter.
Aloinopsis can be cultivated in the ground or in containers. They will grow in the cooler parts of the year and flower in winter if they get good light. Direct sunlight is essential to bloom well. Aloinopsis is probably dormant in summer, so it is usually recommended not to water much in summer. Don't be surprised if they don't grow at that time, but although Aloinopsis are better treated as winter growers, they will grow anyway in summer if given water. They should be fertilized only once during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
They are propagated by seed or division. Unfortunately, Aloinopsis plants are prone to red spider mites and root rot.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloinopsis.
Links
- Back to genus Prepodesma
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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