Tylecodon bodleyae

Scientific Name

Tylecodon bodleyae van Jaarsv.

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Tylecodon

Origin

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

Description

Tylecodon bodleyae is a small succulent with a tuberous base and erect grey-green branches with dark longitudinal striations. It grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. The caudex is covered with yellow-brown peeling bark and grows up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. Leaves are fleshy, glandular-hairy or smooth, green to pale green, elliptic, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long with an equal width. Flowers appear on up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long inflorescences in mid-summer when the plant sheds its leaves. They have a yellowish-green, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long tube and white petals with long hairs on the inner surface.

Etymology

The specific epithet "bodleyae (BOD-lee)" honors Mrs. Elise Bodley (1922–1997), a well-known illustrator of succulents. She has illustrated the most known Tylecodon and Cotyledon species.

How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon bodleyae

Light: This succulent can survive direct sunlight exposure without any problems, but it will grow beautifully in partial shade.

Soil: A well-draining soil mix is a key to healthy T. bodleyae. Poor drainage and overwatering most commonly cause root rot in both indoor and outdoor plants. Indoors, it is essential to use pots with at least one drainage hole at the bottom.

Hardiness: Like all Tylecodons, this succulent is highly tolerant when it comes to high temperatures and also tolerant of cold, frost-free conditions during the winter. T. bodleyae can withstand temperatures as low as 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b.

Watering: As a winter grower, T. bodleyae requires careful watering during winter and spring. Get the soil wet, and then wait until it is dry before watering again. In 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 this plant often. You can do it when you see that the container becomes too small or shallow.

Propagation: T. bodleyae can be cultivated either by seed or by cuttings. Sow the seeds in fall and winter. The best time for taking cuttings is the fall.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon.

Toxicity of Tylecodon bodleyae

T. bodleyae is adapted to avoid animal predation being poisonous. Therefore, keep it away from children, pets, and livestock.

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