Scientific Name
Trichodiadema bulbosum Schwantes
Common Name(s)
African Bonsai
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum bulbosum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Trichodiadema
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 with a diadem of small bristles at the tips. It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The stems can reach 2 feet (60 cm) in length. Leaves are fleshy, cylindrical, and up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) long.
The plant produces bright pink flowers with yellow-green centers from spring to fall. The flowers are solitary, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter, and appear on short stalks.
Origin
Trichodiadema bulbosum is native to South Africa.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 10b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °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 affects the way 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 the temperature drops and the 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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