Scientific Name
Tylecodon sulphureus (Toelken) Toelken
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon sulphurea, Tylecodon sulphureus var. sulphureus
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Tylecodon
Etymology
The specific epithet "sulphureus (sul-FER-ee-us)" means "sulfurous" and refers to the color of the flowers.
Origin
Tylecodon sulphureus is native to South Africa (Northern Cape).
Description
Tylecodon sulphureus is a small, sparingly branched succulent with a tuberous base and short erect branches that bear green leaves. The tuber can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter. The leaves are thick, fleshy, slightly grooved on the upper surface, and can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) wide.
The tubular flowers are greenish-yellow and can grow up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long. They appear in erect, flat-topped thyrses after the plant loses its leaves in late summer.
How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon sulphureus
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 sulphureus 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 sulphureus
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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