Rhinephyllum parvifolium

Scientific Name

Rhinephyllum parvifolium L.Bolus

Scientific Classification

Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Rhinephyllum

Etymology

The specific epithet "parvifolium (par-vee-FOH-lee-um)" means "small-leafed" and refers to the size of the leaves.

Origin

Native to South Africa (Eastern Cape).

Description

Rhinephyllum parvifolium is a succulent subshrub with short woody branches and small fleshy leaves with tiny whitish tubercles. Older lower leaves wither and die, persisting on branches. The solitary flowers are yellow and appear on a short stalk in summer, opening in the late afternoon. Fruits are 5-locular capsules with brownish seeds.

How to Grow and Care for Rhinephyllum parvifolium

Light: This succulent needs bright light but does not like too much direct sun. A sunny windowsill where the plant receives 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight during the early part of the day and partial shade during the afternoon is the perfect spot to grow your R. parvifolium indoors.

Soil: R. parvifolium thrives best in porous soil mixes that allow water to drain away quickly. Use a commercial potting mix specially designed for growing succulents, or make your own.

Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem for this plant as long as there is plenty of fresh air, but it does not have good resistance to extreme cold weather. R. parvifolium can withstand temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).

Watering: R. parvifolium requires little or no water when it goes dormant, usually in winter. When it begins to grow again in spring, it is safe to water deeply, allowing the soil to dry before between waterings. If leaves start to wrinkle during active growth, your plant needs water.

Fertilizing: This small succulent is a light feeder and does not need fertilizer if it is repotted every two years.

Repotting: R. parvifolium will stay happy in the same pot for several decades. The common reason for repotting is to give the plant a larger growing space. The best time to repot this plant is at the beginning of the active growth period, but the repotting can be done almost any time while the plant is actively growing.

Propagation: This species is easily propagated by stem cuttings and seeds. The best time to take cuttings is summer. Sow the seeds in spring or early summer in a pot with a well-drained soil mix.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.

Toxicity of Rhinephyllum parvifolium

R. parvifolium is considered non-toxic to humans and pets.