Scientific Name
Tylecodon singularis (Dyer) Toelken
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon singularis
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Tylecodon
Etymology
The specific epithet "singularis (sing-yoo-LAIR-iss)" means "alone, single" and probably refers to the usually solitary leaf of this plant.
Origin
Tylecodon singularis is native to Namibia (found in a small area of Rosh Pinah).
Description
Tylecodon singularis is an unusual succulent geophyte with tuberous roots that usually produce one, rarely up to 4 fleshy leaves. The fusiform caudex can reach up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter. The leaves are almost circular and can grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. They are glandular-hairy, green with paler veins, and purplish lower surface.
The flowers appear in summer when the plant sheds its leaves in an inflorescence that can grow up to 7.2 inches (18 cm) tall. They are tubular, measuring up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long, and pale yellowish-green with short hairs.
How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon singularis
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. singularis. 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. singularis can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: As a winter grower, T. singularis 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. singularis 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 singularis
T. singularis is adapted to avoid animal predation by 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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