Scientific Name
Tylecodon similis (Toelken) Toelken
Common Name(s)
Zigzag Butterbush
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon similis
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Tylecodon
Etymology
The specific epithet "similis (SIM-il-iss)" means "similar" and refers to the superficial resemblance of this species to Tylecodon schaeferianus.
Origin
Tylecodon similis is native to Namibia and South Africa (Namaqualand).
Description
Tylecodon similis is a small succulent with a slender, erect, sparingly branched stem that grows from an underground tuber. The stem is straight to zigzag with a few side branches that are grey with black striations and can grow up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) tall. The tuber has grey-brown peeling bark and can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter. The leaves are green, often reddish, slightly grooved on the upper surface, measuring up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long and 0.3 inches (0.7 cm) wide.
The flowers are tubular with a pale yellow, pale green, or creamy-white corolla and fine hairs in the throat. They appear in late summer after the plant loses its leaves.
How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon similis
Soil: A 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 problems, but they will grow beautifully in shadow.
Hardiness: Tylecodon similis can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: As winter is the growing season, Tylecodons require careful watering from 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 in winter.
Repotting: You do not need to repot these plants often. You can do it when 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 similis
Tylecodon species are adapted to avoid animal predation being poisonous. Therefore, keep them 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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