If you have limited space, Stomatium suaveolens is a great choice. It is low-maintenance and produces fragrant flowers.
Scientific Name
Stomatium suaveolens Schwantes
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum suaveolens
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Stomatium
Description
Stomatium suaveolens is a dwarf succulent that forms a compact clump of rough, spoon-shaped leaves with a thick, prominent chin at the apex. The leaves are fleshy, covered with tiny bumps, and have inconspicuous keels and teeth. They are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) wide, and 0.35 inches (0.9 cm) thick, with an almost crescent-shaped tip when viewed from above.
During the summer, the plant produces sweet-smelling flowers with thin yellow petals on short stalks. The fruits are 5-locular capsules with a bowl-shaped base and break off the stalk when ripe.
Origin
Stomatium suaveolens is native to South Africa. It grows in shallow pans, mainly in the region between Williston, Sutherland, and Fraserburg in the Northern Cape province.
Etymology
The specific epithet "suaveolens (swah-vee-OH-lens)" means "sweet-smelling, fragrant" and refers to flowers that have a strong sweet smell.
How to Grow and Care for Stomatium suaveolens
Light: Stomatium suaveolens requires bright light but not too much direct sunlight. So, a windowsill that receives 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon will be a perfect spot for indoor growing.
Soil: The plant thrives in porous soil, allowing the water to drain away quickly. Therefore, use commercial soil for succulents or make your own well-draining mix.
Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem as long as there is plenty of fresh air, but this plant is not cold-hardy. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: To keep your Stomatium suaveolens healthy, it is most important to know when, how much, and how often to water it. During the dormant period, usually in winter, the plant requires little or no water. From spring to fall, water it thoroughly but allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Fertilizing: As long as you repot this plant every two years, it does not need fertilizer.
Repotting: Even if it can stay happy in the same pot for years, once in a while, you can repot your plant to give it more space anytime during the growing season. However, the best time is at the beginning of the growing season.
Propagation: One way to propagate this plant is by dividing clumps, which is quite simple. Another option is to start from seeds by sowing them in well-draining soil during spring. The best time for dividing is late spring or early summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Toxicity of Stomatium suaveolens
Stomatium suaveolens is considered non-toxic and safe around kids and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Stomatium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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