Scientific Name
Tylecodon occultans (Toelken) Toelken
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon occultans
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Tylecodon
Etymology
The specific epithet "occultans (ock-ULL-tanz)" means "concealing, hiding" and probably refers to the difficulty of finding this species in its native habitat.
Origin
Tylecodon occultans is native to South Africa (Western Cape).
Description
Tylecodon occultans is a dwarf succulent geophyte with a tuberous, sparsely branched, somewhat globose base and deep green, variably glandular-hairy leaves. It can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. The caudex can reach up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter and has grey flaking bark. The leaves are fleshy, rounded, recurved, appressed to the ground, measuring up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are tubular, pale yellow to yellowish-green, and appear in summer in an erect thyrse that can grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon occultans
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. occultans. 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. occultans 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. occultans 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 in winter.
Repotting: You do not need to repot this plant often. You can do it when the container becomes too small or shallow.
Propagation: T. occultans 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 occultans
T. occultans is adapted to avoid animal predation being poisonous. Therefore, keep it 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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