Scientific Name
Tulista minor (Aiton) Gideon F.Sm. & Molteno
Synonym(s)
Aloe margaritifera var. minor, Aloe minor, Apicra minor, Haworthia margaritifera subvar. minor, Haworthia minima, Haworthia minor, Tulista minima
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodeloideae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Tulista
Etymology
The specific epithet "minor (MY-nor)" means "parvus; lesser, inferior, smaller" and refers to the size of the species, which is smaller compared to its closest relatives.
Tulista minor was formerly classified in the genus Haworthia as Haworthia minima. However, this was not the correct name, as Haworthia minor had priority. When the species was transferred to the new genus Tulista, it was first published as Tulista minima, which was also an invalid name. The name Tulista minor was published in 2018.
Origin
Tulista minor is native to South Africa. It occurs in Coastal Renosterbos from Bredasdorp eastwards to the Gouritz River and inland to Swellendam and Heidelberg.
Description
Tulista minor, also known as Haworthia minor, Tulista minima, or Haworthia minima, is a small succulent that forms rosettes of thick, fleshy, blue-green leaves covered with attractive white tubercles. It grows solitary or in clumps. The rosettes can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter.
The white flowers with pink tips appear on slender stalks in the summer.
Tulista minor is a variable species with several forms differing in the shape, size, and color of the leaves and the shape of the rosette and tubercles.
How to Grow and Care for Tulista minor
Light: Tulistas tolerate full sun, but they prefer semi-shaded positions. Any window in your home or office will likely be an appropriate setting for Tulistas.
Soil: Use commercial soil formulated for succulents or make your own well-draining potting mix.
Hardiness: Tulista minor can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: In spring and fall, when the growth is most active, water Tulistas thoroughly, then wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water your plants less during the winter when their growth slows down significantly. During the hottest summer months, when Tulistas are mostly dormant, water it just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Tulistas do not require much fertilizer. However, for optimum growth, fertilization is a good idea. Feed during the growing season with a weak fertilizer solution. Do not fertilize during the winter.
Repotting: When it begins to outgrow its pot, repot your Tulista in a new shallow and slightly larger pot with fresh soil. The best time to repot is in the spring or early summer.
Propagation: Using seeds or offsets are the most frequently used methods.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Tulista.
Toxicity of Tulista minor
Tulistas are generally non-toxic to humans and animals.
Forms of Tulista minor
Links
- Back to genus Tulista
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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