Scientific Name
Pseudolithos cubiformis (P.R.O. Bally) P.R.O. Bally
Common Names
Cube Pseudolithos, Cube-shaped Pseudolithos
Synonyms
Lithocaulon cubiforme, Ceropegia cubiformis
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Pseudolithos
Description
Pseudolithos cubiformis is a small, succulent plant that grows into a characteristic, fairly large, granite grey, almost perfect cube. It is quite variable in shape, color and size. It is usually single stemmed, up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall and wide, leathery skinned, light green (in shaded environments) to clear olive/grey/green (in half sun) or reddish-brown (in full sun). The flower are in clusters with grayish-green, hairy petals and purple center.
Photo via cactofilia.com
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. They should be treated as an outdoor plant 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 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
It is native to north east 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
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