Scientific Name
Trichodiadema bulbosum Schwantes
Accepted Scientific Name
Trichodiadema intonsum Schwantes
Plants of the World Online🡕 and The World Flora Online🡕 list this plant as a synonym of Trichodiadema intonsum rather than a separate species.
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum bulbosum
Common Name(s)
African Bonsai
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Trichodiadema
Etymology
The specific epithet "bulbosum" (pronounced "bul-BOH-sum") means "bulbous" and refers to the swollen roots of this plant.
Origin
Trichodiadema bulbosum is native to South Africa.
Description
Trichodiadema bulbosum is a succulent shrublet with a tuberous, barely exposed base and spreading, densely branched stems with small, bright green to gray-green leaves, each with a diadem of small bristles at the tip. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The stems can reach 2 feet (60 cm) in length. The leaves are fleshy, cylindrical, and can measure up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) long.
From spring to fall, Trichodiadema bulbosum produces bright pink flowers with yellow-green centers. The flowers are solitary, appear on short stalks, reaching up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Trichodiadema bulbosum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 10b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 40°F (4.4°C).
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 plants that are not especially large, sometimes very small, and affects how they need to be treated in cultivation.
The basics of care are very simple, with 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 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 autumn as temperatures drop and days get shorter.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Links
- Back to genus Trichodiadema
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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