Prepodesma orpenii

Scientific Name

Prepodesma orpenii (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br.

Synonym(s)

Aloinopsis orpenii, Mesembryanthemum orpenii, Nananthus orpenii, Show more

Scientific Classification

Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Prepodesma

Origin

This species 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. 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.

Prepodesma orpenii aka Aloinopsis orpenii — *Photo via succulentsundae.blogspot.com*

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 it gets 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 are prone to red spider mites and root rot.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloinopsis.