Schwantesia triebneri

Scientific Name

Schwantesia triebneri L. Bolus

Scientific Classification

Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Schwantesia

Origin

This species is native to South Africa (Northern Cape).

Description

Schwantesia triebneri is a small succulent that forms a compact clump of fleshy, pale grey-green leaves arranged in pairs. The leaves are erect to spreading, narrow, triangular in cross-section, end in a short sharp pink point, up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long, up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide, and up to 0.2 inches (5 mm) thick. They are velvety, especially when young, and often with margins tinged in shades of red. Flowers are yellow, up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, and appear on a short stalk in winter. Fruits are usually 5-locular capsules with tiny pear-shaped seeds.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Mesembs are mostly adapted to relatively predictable rainfall patterns rather than extreme drought and irregular rainfall. Total rainfall may be extremely low, but water is available at least seasonally or through fog and condensation. This leads to or allows plants that are not especially large and sometimes very small and affect how they need to be treated in cultivation.

The basics of care are very simple: free-draining soil, plenty of sun and ventilation, and regular light watering in the right season. Yet the difficulties are endless, trying to adapt to the Mesembs' adaptability and to follow their growth habits in your particular conditions.

These plants require a loam-based compost with extra drainage material such as horticultural grit or perlite. They all like good light conditions and plenty of ventilation.

Some are relatively cold-hardy and can even survive mild winters outside. Most will survive temperatures down to the freezing point. Some Mesembs begin to grow in the fall as the temperature drops and the days get shorter.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.