Tylecodon albiflorus

Scientific Name

Tylecodon albiflorus Bruyns

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Tylecodon

Origin

This species is native to South Africa (Western Cape).

Description

Tylecodon albiflorus is a small succulent shrub with an underground tuberous stem base and 1 to 3 erect to spreading branches. It grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. The tuber is short, greenish with yellowish-brown peeling bark, and up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter. Leaves are green, hairy, up to 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) long, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide, and packed in an apical rosette.

Flowers are white with maroon-brown stripes and appear arranged in erect to spreading thyrses in summer after the plant loses its leaves.

Etymology

The cultivar epithet "albiflorus (al-BIH-flor-us)" means "white-flowered" and refers to the white flowers of the species.

How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon albiflorus

Soil: Well-draining soil mix is the key to healthy Tylecodon. Poor drainage and overwatering most commonly cause root rot in both indoor and outdoor plants.

Light: Tylecodons can survive direct sunlight exposure without any problems, but they will grow beautifully when in shadow.

Hardiness: Tylecodon albiflorus can withstand temperatures as low as 35 to 50 °F (1.7 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b.

Watering: As winter is the growing season, Tylecodons require careful watering during the winter until the spring. Get the soil wet, and then wait until it is dry before watering again. In the summer, reduce watering to once per month.

Fertilizing: Use liquid fertilizer for cacti and other succulents during the winter months.

Repotting: You do not need to repot these plants often. You can do it when you see that the container becomes too small or shallow.

Propagation: Tylecodons can be cultivated either by seed or by cuttings.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon.

Toxicity of Tylecodon albiflorus

Tylecodon species are adapted to avoid animal predation being poisonous. Therefore, keep them away from children, pets, and livestock.

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