Scientific Name
Tylecodon pearsonii (Schönland) Toelken
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon luteosquamata, Cotyledon pearsonii
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Tylecodon
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Northern Cape, Western Cape).
Description
Tylecodon pearsonii is an impressive succulent with a swollen base that splits into a few short branches at the apex. It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The caudex is up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) in diameter. At first, branches are covered with almost white round leaf scars, 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 inches (0.4 cm) in diameter. Flowers appear on up to 4 inches (10 cm) long stems in mid-summer when the plant sheds its leaves. They are urn-shaped, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long, whitish or yellowish with reddish-brown stripes and fine hairs inside.
Etymology
The specific epithet "pearsonii (peer-SON-ee-eye)" honors the British-born South African botanist Henry Harold Welch Pearson (1870-1916).
How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon pearsonii
Light: This succulent can survive direct sunlight exposure without any problems, but it will grow beautifully in partial shade.
Soil: A well-draining soil mix is a key to healthy T. pearsonii. 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 tolerant cold, frost-free conditions during the winter. T. pearsonii 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. pearsonii 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 the winter months.
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. pearsonii 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 pearsonii
T. pearsonii is adapted to avoid animal predation being poisonous. Therefore, keep it 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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