Scientific Name
Prepodesma orpenii (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br.
Synonyms
Mesembryanthemum orpenii, Aloinopsis orpenii, Nananthus orpenii, Nananthus tersa, Rabiea tersa
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Prepodesma
Description
Prepodesma orpenii, also known as Aloinopsis orpenii, is a low-growing succulent that forms compact rosettes of 2 to 4 pairs of bluish-green leaves with small dark dots and often tinged with purple. They 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, up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long, and up to 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 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.
Origin
Prepodesma orpenii is native to South Africa (Northern Cape).
Links
- Back to genus Prepodesma
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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