Tylecodon longipes

Scientific Name

Tylecodon longipes van Jaarsv. & G.Will.

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Tylecodon

Origin

This species is native to South Africa (Northern Cape). It occurs in cracks on quartzite cliffs at elevations between 1,300 and 2,600 feet (400 and 800 m) above sea level.

Description

Tylecodon longipes is a dwarf, highly branched succulent that slowly grows up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) tall and up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, forming dense mats. Branches are short, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter, with cracked silver-grey bark exposing the green tissue. The plant bears 1 to 4 leaves per branch. The leaves are green and covered with glandular hairs. They are lance-shaped to spatula-shaped, rarely somewhat channeled, up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide, and with a short petiole. Flowers are erect, green with white petals, cylindrical to funnel-shaped, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long, and appear on up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long stalks in mid-summer. The leaves are dry at flowering.

Etymology

The specific epithet "longipes (LON-juh-peez)" is a Latin adjective meaning "long-footed" or "long-legged" and refers to the length of the petiole compared with the blade of the smallest leaves.

How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon longipes

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

Soil: A well-draining soil mix is a key to healthy T. longipes. 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. longipes can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.

Watering: As a winter grower, T. longipes 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 winter.

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. longipes 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 longipes

T. longipes is adapted to avoid animal predation being poisonous. Keep it away from children, pets, and livestock.

Photo Gallery

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