Scientific Name
Tylecodon atropurpureus Bruyns
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Tylecodon
Etymology
The specific epithet "atropurpureus (at-ro-pur-PURR-ee-us)" means "dark purple" and refers to the black-purple flower tips.
Origin
Tylecodon atropurpureus is native to South Africa (Northern Cape).
Description
Tylecodon atropurpureus is a succulent plant with underground caudex that split at the apex into 2 to 6 short branches. The swollen tuber is oblong, with peeling grey bark, and can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. The leaves are green, pubescent on both surfaces and egg-shaped to spatula-shaped, measuring up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long and 2.4 inches (6 cm) wide.
The flowers appear in mid-summer when the plant sheds its leaves in inflorescences that can grow up to 15 inches (37.5 cm) long. They are tubular, greenish-yellow with yellow insides and black-purple petal tips, and can reach up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in length and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon atropurpureus
Soil: A 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 problems, but they will grow beautifully in shadow.
Hardiness: Tylecodon atropurpureus can withstand temperatures as low as 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b.
Watering: As winter is the growing season, Tylecodons require careful watering from 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 in winter.
Repotting: You do not need to repot these plants often. You can do it when 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 atropurpureus
Tylecodon species are adapted to avoid animal predation being poisonous. Therefore, keep them away from children, pets, and livestock.
Links
- Back to genus Tylecodon
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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