Trichodiadema rogersiae is similar to Trichodiadema setuliferum but can be distinguished from the latter by its bladder cells on the leaves, which are smooth and without papillae.
Scientific Name
Trichodiadema rogersiae L.Bolus
Common Name(s)
Rogers Crownfig
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Trichodiadema
Etymology
The specific epithet "rogersiae (ro-JER–see-ay)" honors Bertha Rogers (fl. 1928), who collected the type specimen upon which the description and name of this species is based.
Origin
Trichodiadema setuliferum is native to South Africa. It occurs in the Eastern Cape province, mainly near Cradock.
Description
Trichodiadema rogersiae is a succulent shrublet with small, narrow leaves arranged in opposite, spaced pairs along upright branches. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The leaves are linear to lance-shaped, slightly triangular in cross-section, and curved downward near the tips. They can reach up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) long and 0.15 inches (4 cm) wide, have a cluster of white bristly hairs at the tip, and a decorative coating of bladder sells without papillae. The leaf color can range from green or yellowish-green to pale brown.
During late winter and summer, Trichodiadema rogersiae produces beautiful flowers with narrow, pink to magenta petals and a cone of stamens in the center. The solitary flowers can reach up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are five-locular capsules.
How to Grow and Care for Trichodiadema rogersiae
Light: Trichodiadema rogersiae 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 Trichodiadema rogersiae 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: There are three methods to propagate this plant. The first method is to divide the clumps during the growing season, which is quite a simple process. 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 rogersiae
Trichodiadema rogersiae 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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