Scientific Name
Trichodiadema marlothii L. Bolus
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Trichodiadema
Description
Trichodiadema marlothii is a small succulent that forms a dense rounded shrub or mat of intermingled short blue-green leaves with a brownish tip. It grows up to 2 inches (5 cm) tall. Stems are woody and almost completely covered with leaves. The leaves are cylindrical and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long. The tips of the leaves are brown, with a crown of soft brownish-white bristles radiating around the center, giving the appearance of a cactus areole. Flowers are daisy-like, white, pink, or purple-red and up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter.
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 fall as the temperature drops and the days get shorter.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Origin
Trichodiadema marlothii is native to South Africa (Cape Province).
Links
- Back to genus Trichodiadema
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
