Unlike other members of the genus, Trichodiadema calvatum has leaves that lack a diadem, a ring of small bristles radiating around the center, which is a typical feature of this genus.
Scientific Name
Trichodiadema calvatum L.Bolus
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Trichodiadema
Etymology
The specific epithet "calvatum (pronounced kal-VAY-tum)" means "made bald, bare" and refers to the leaves of this species lacking a diadem at the tips.
Origin
Trichodiadema calvatum is native to South Africa. It grows in shales in open rocky areas between Robertson, Montagu, Swellendam, and Caledon in the Western Cape province.
Description
Trichodiadema calvatum is a dwarf succulent shrublet with a thickened rootstock and slender branches that bear fleshy leaves without a diadem. The leaves are densely covered with bladder cells and can grow up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long and 0.12 inches (0.3 cm) wide.
From late winter to summer, Trichodiadema calvatum produces pink, solitary flowers that do not have filamentous staminodes. The flowers appear on stalks that can reach up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in length. The fruits are 5-locular capsules.
How to Grow and Care for Trichodiadema calvatum
Light: Trichodiadema calvatum requires bright light but not too much direct sunlight. So, a windowsill with 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon will be perfect 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 Trichodiadema calvatum 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 your plant can stay happy in the same pot for years, you can repot it occasionally to give it more space during the growing season. However, the best time is at the beginning of the season.
Propagation: There are three methods for propagating this plant. The first is to divide the clumps during the growing season, which is quite simple. The second method is to start the plant from seeds by sowing them in well-draining soil during spring. However, propagating the plant by stem cuttings can be challenging due to the high risk of rot.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Toxicity of Trichodiadema calvatum
Trichodiadema calvatum is considered non-toxic and safe around kids and pets.
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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