Schwantesia borcherdsii is a rare, succulent subshrub endemic to a highly restricted range near Upington in the Northern Cape, South Africa. Due to its restricted distribution and the significant threat of illegal harvesting for the horticultural trade, it is classified as a Vulnerable (D2) species on the SANBI National Red List.
Taxonomy of Schwantesia borcherdsii
Scientific Name
Schwantesia borcherdsii L. Bolus
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Schwantesia
Etymology
The generic name "Schwantesia" (pronounced "shwan-TEZ-ee-uh") honors Martin Heinrich Gustav Schwantes🡕 (1881–1960), a German archaeologist and botanist specializing in the former family Mesembryanthemaceae, now included in Aizoaceae.
The specific epithet "borcherdsii" (pronounced "bor-KERD-see-eye") honors Miss Borcherds, a South African collector in Namaqualand who sent specimens of the species to Gustav Schwantes.
Description
Schwantesia borcherdsii is a small succulent with fleshy, smooth, bluish-green leaves that have a flat upper surface, a keeled lower surface, and occasionally reddish-tinged margins. It can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) tall, while the leaves can measure up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide at the widest point. Old leaves shrivel and die as new pairs grow.
The solitary yellow flower can reach a diameter of up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) and open during the day.
Origin
Schwantesia borcherdsii is native to South Africa. It grows in cracks in boulders and other out-of-the-way, rocky hideouts near Upington in the Northern Cape province.
How to Grow and Care for Schwantesia borcherdsii
Light: Schwantesia borcherdsii thrives in bright light and can tolerate full sun or partial shade. It benefits from several hours of direct sunlight, especially during the cooler months. However, protect it from intense afternoon sunlight during hot summer days to prevent sunburn.
Soil: This plant requires a porous, well-draining soil mix that prevents excess moisture from accumulating around its roots. You can use a commercial succulent potting mix or make your own.
Temperature: Schwantesia borcherdsii tolerates warm conditions but prefers cooler temperatures during its active growing season. Protect it from prolonged extreme heat and freezing temperatures. This plant is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a-11b, which have average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30°F to 50°F (-1.1°C to 10°C).
Watering: As a primarily winter-growing succulent, Schwantesia borcherdsii enters dormancy during the warmer months. Water moderately from fall through spring, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During summer dormancy, reduce watering significantly and water only occasionally if the leaves appear noticeably shriveled. Avoid overwatering, especially in hot weather, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing: This plant has low nutrient needs and generally does not need additional fertilizer if you repot it into fresh soil every two to three years. If necessary, apply a diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer formulated for cacti and succulents once or twice during the active growing season. Avoid fertilizing during summer dormancy.
Repotting: The best time to repot Schwantesia borcherdsii is in early fall, when it begins its active growing season. You can also repot during active growth if needed. Use a container with drainage holes and avoid watering immediately after repotting, especially if the roots have been damaged, to allow them time to heal.
Propagation: Schwantesia borcherdsii is primarily propagated from seeds, which are best sown in the fall under mild temperatures. You can also propagate mature plants with multiple heads by careful division, provided each separated section has enough roots. Division is best performed near the beginning of the active growing season. Allow any damaged surfaces to dry before planting the divisions in a well-draining substrate.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Toxicity of Schwantesia borcherdsii
Schwantesia borcherdsii is considered non-toxic, making it safe to grow around children and pets.
Photo Gallery
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Schwantesia.
- Explore all plants within the family Aizoaceae.