Glottiphyllum

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Glottiphyllum - a compact succulent with lush green or whitish waxy leaves, oblong-oval, arranged in two rows, sessile, up to 4 cm long. In some species, the leaves have specks. The stem is very short or absent altogether. The buds are yellow or orange, single, similar to dandelion flowers, often have a pleasant smell, and are quite large – reaching 7 cm in diameter.

Height. The plant develops slowly and reaches a height of 13 cm and a diameter of 15 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In summer it should be kept at normal room temperature, in winter it is better to lower the temperature to 5-10 ° C.

Lighting

A very brightly lit place. With a lack of light and over-watering, the succulent abundantly grows green mass. With good lighting, the leaves acquire a rich dark green color, sometimes with red and purple hues.

Substrate

Well-drained, nutrient-poor with a high content of coarse sand. 

Feeding

Fertilize your glottiphyllum monthly with a low-nitrogen fertilizer at half strength.

Flowering time

Showy yellow flowers appear in spring and summer, but the bloom time depends on the plant variety. 

Air humidity

Succulents grow easily in the dry atmosphere of living spaces and do not require spraying.

Soil moisture

Water moderately in summer and keep dry during winter when the plant is dormant. When overwatered, the leaves become deformed and even crack, causing ugly scars to appear on them.

Transplant

Replanting is carried out in the spring; adult specimens develop slowly and need replanting approximately every 3 years.

Reproduction

Seeds that germinate very easily. Seeds can be sown at any time of the year, but avoid very hot weather. Sowing is carried out in moist, loose soil, the top layer of which is about 2 mm thick. should consist of coarse river sand. It is in this sand that the seeds are sown to a depth of 2 mm. For leaf cuttings, the cut site should be dried for several days to avoid rotting. Dividing large mature plants.

Pests and diseases

Glottiphyllum easily rots when overwatered and when water stagnates. Leaves can also crack when there is too much moisture. If the nutrient content in the soil is too high or if there is too much fertilization, the succulent will grow abundant green mass at the expense of flowering.

Harmful insects sometimes include mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips.

Note

Adult specimens often lose their beauty and should be replaced with new ones.