Tylecodon decipiens

Scientific Name

Tylecodon decipiens Toelken

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Tylecodon

Origin

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

Description

Tylecodon decipiens is dwarf succulent with an irregularly shaped tuberous base that produces many branches, often forming dense mats about 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The branches are smooth, grey-green with pale peeling bark and without phyllopodia. Leaves are grey-green to rarely brown and have a rounded apex, tapering base, and a flat to grooved upper surface. They grow up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. Flowers are tubular, hairy outside, up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long, and up to 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) in diameter. They are yellowish-green or flushed with purple and appear in summer, when the plant sheds its leaves, on branched, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall inflorescences.

This species is very similar to Tylecodon schaeferianus. It is distinguished by its hairy corolla.

Etymology

The specific epithet "decipiens" derives from the Latin "decipio," meaning "to beguile or to cheat," and probably refers to its similarity to T. schaeferianus.

How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon decipiens

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 decipiens 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 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 decipiens

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

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