Scientific Name
Pseudolithos cubiformis (P.R.O. Bally) P.R.O. Bally
Common Name(s)
Cube Pseudolithos, Cube-shaped Pseudolithos
Synonym(s)
Lithocaulon cubiforme, Ceropegia cubiformis
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Pseudolithos
Description
Pseudolithos cubiformis is a small succulent plant with a stem that grows into a characteristic granite grey almost perfect cube. It is usually single-stemmed and quite variable in shape, color, and size. The stem is up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall and about as wide as it is tall, leathery skinned, light green in shaded environments to clear grey or green in half sun or reddish-brown in full sun. Flowers are with grayish-green hairy petals and purple center and appear in clusters.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Stapeliads are relatively easy to grow. However, they should be treated as outdoor plants as they will easily rot indoors and cannot flower without exposure to outdoor temperature fluctuations. They should be grown under cover so that watering can be controlled. They require a reasonable amount of sunlight to promote flowering and maintain a well-shaped plant. Very shady positions will produce very poor flowering. Stapeliads come from climates where they survive extremely high temperatures in the summer months, so most growth is in spring and autumn, with flowering in autumn when the weather starts to cool down. In the growing season, water in moderation when needed, making sure soil is fairly dried out between waterings. Do not water between November 1 and March 1. Fertilize lightly, if at all, to prevent overly lush and weak stems.
The easiest and best way to propagate Stapeliads is from stem cuttings which can be taken virtually throughout the year. Seed is also a method of propagation.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Stapeliads.
Origin
This species is native to the northeast of Somalia.
Links
- Back to genus Pseudolithos
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
