Scientific Name
Tylecodon fragilis (R.A.Dyer) Toelken
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon fragilis
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Tylecodon
Etymology
The specific epithet "fragilis" means "fragile, brittle, easily broken" and refers to the easily broken branches.
Origin
Tylecodon fragilis is native to South Africa (Northern Cape and Western Cape).
Description
Tylecodon fragilis is a small succulent with few ascending branches that grow from a small tuberous base. The tuber is irregularly shaped, with grey peeling bark, and can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The branches are brittle, smooth, and have pale brown flaking bark. They can grow up to 14 inches (35 cm) long and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. The leaves are thick, fleshy, glabrous, green to pale brown, cylindrical to slightly grooved on the upper surface, measuring up to 2 inches (5 cm) long.
The flowers are tubular, yellowish-green, and appear on erect thyrses up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long in summer after the plant loses its leaves. They can grow up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon fragilis
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 fragilis 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 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 fragilis
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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