Tylecodon reticulatus subsp. phyllopodium has thinner branches and less dense inflorescences compared to Tylecodon reticulatus subsp. reticulatus.
Scientific Name
Tylecodon reticulatus subsp. phyllopodium Toelken
Common Name(s)
Pegleg Oukoe Butterbush
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Tylecodon
Etymology
The subspecific epithet "phyllopodium" (pronounced fy-lo-POH-dee-um) means "a primordial leaf or leaf axis" and refers to the young branches of this species that are covered with phyllopodia.
Origin
The native range of Tylecodon reticulatus subsp. phyllopodium extends from near Witpiitz in southwestern Namibia to near Komaggas in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It usually grows in association with rock outcrops and often on rock faces.
Description
Tylecodon reticulatus subsp. phyllopodium is a small succulent shrub with branches that bear cylindrical or slightly tapering leaves. The young branches are covered with distinct phyllopodia that can be brown, gray, or black, each with a more or less circular leaf scar that remains visible for several years. They typically grow longer than 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) and can reach a diameter of 0.25 inches (0.6 cm). The leaves are upright and may have a slight groove on the upper surface, ranging from green to bluish-green or yellowish-green.
In late spring and summer, after the leaves start to drop off, Tylecodon reticulatus subsp. phyllopodium produces yellowish-green, cylindrical to urn-shaped flowers that may have brown-purple hues where the petals are fused. The flowers are more or less erect and appear in a brittle inflorescence.
How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon reticulatus subsp. phyllopodium
Light: This plant can grow well in direct sunlight but prefers partial shade.
Soil: A well-draining soil mix is essential for the healthy growth of Tylecodon reticulatus subsp. phyllopodium. Poor drainage and overwatering lead to root rot in both indoor and outdoor plants.
Temperature: Like all Tylecodons, this plant is highly tolerant of high temperatures and can withstand cold, frost-free conditions during winter. Tylecodon reticulatus subsp. phyllopodium grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: As a winter grower, Tylecodon reticulatus subsp. phyllopodium requires careful watering during winter and spring. Water the plant thoroughly, then wait until the soil dries out before watering again. In summer, during its dormancy, reduce watering to once a month.
Fertilizing: To encourage optimal growth, feeding this plant with a water-soluble fertilizer is recommended, but only during the growing season.
Repotting: You do not need to repot this plant frequently. Only repot it when the container becomes too small or shallow.
Propagation: Tylecodon reticulatus subsp. phyllopodium can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. Fall or winter are ideal times to sow the seeds, and fall is the best time to take cuttings.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon.
Toxicity of Tylecodon reticulatus subsp. phyllopodium
Tylecodon reticulatus subsp. phyllopodium is adapted to avoid animal predation by being poisonous. 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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