Scientific Name
Tylecodon pearsonii (Schönland) Toelken
Synonyms
Cotyledon luteosquamata, Cotyledon pearsonii
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Tylecodon
Origin
Native to South Africa (Northern Cape, Western Cape).
Description
Tylecodon pearsonii is an impressive succulent, up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall, with a swollen base that split at the apex into few short branches. The caudex can grow up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) in diameter. Branches are covered with almost white, round leaf scars at first, later with brown peeling bark. Leaves are grey-green to greyish-brown, usually glabrous or with a few glandular hairs when young, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and up to 0.15 inch (0.4 cm) in diameter. Flowers appear in mid-summer, when the plant sheds its leaves, on up to 4 inches (10 cm) long inflorescences. They are urn-shaped, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long, whitish or yellowish with reddish-brown stripes and fine hairs inside.
The specific epithet "pearsonii" honors the British-born South African botanist Henry Harold Welch Pearson (1870-1916).
Photo by Tamás Galcsik
How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon pearsonii
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 pearsonii 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 pearsonii
Tylecodon species are adapted to avoid animal predation being poisonous. Keep them away from children, pets, and livestock.
Links
- Back to genus Tylecodon
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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