Tylecodon

Family. Crassulaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Tylecodon are low succulent perennial shrubs with powerful, succulent stems covered with light brown or gray bark. The leaves, green or covered with a bluish waxy coating, form a lush crown at the tops of the stems; they can be long, round in cross-section or elliptical. Some species have hairy leaves. The peduncles are thin, leafless, and bear several pink or greenish flowers up to 1.5 cm in diameter. Flowers often appear after the leaves have fallen.

Height. Grows very slowly, reaching 2.5 m in height in its natural environment. 

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the growing season, the optimal temperature range for growing tylecodon is considered to be from 18 to 26 ° C. In winter, a dormant period is possible at a temperature of about 8 ° C, which will stimulate flowering. Do not expose plants to temperatures below 5ºC.

Lighting

Tylecodon prefer a brightly lit location with light shade on summer days. Direct sunlight can hit the plant in the morning and evening hours.

Care

Representatives of this genus are not the easiest succulents to grow and are unlikely to be kept by novice gardeners.

Substrate

Tolerates fairly nutrient-poor soils with excellent drainage. The mixture for containing tylecodon should contain a large amount of coarse river sand. Ready-made soils for cacti and succulent plants are suitable for growing. The drainage material should make up about 30 percent of the total volume of the mixture. 

Feeding 

After transplantation, the bush can be left without fertilizer for several months. During the growth period, monthly fertilization with liquid fertilizers for cacti and succulents with a high potassium content is required.

Purpose

Tylecodon grown in bonsai style is extremely beautiful. 

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

There is no need to spray the leaves. In summer, when the air temperature is high, you can spray a little in the morning, but make sure that the water evaporates before evening. Provide the bush with a place with sufficient air circulation without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

During the growing season from April to September, water the tylecodon abundantly until the earthen ball is completely soaked, but the soil should have time to dry to half its depth before the next watering. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering to a minimum.

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out in the spring, as it grows, when the roots fill the substrate. Adult specimens are transplanted every 2 - 3 years. When planting, maintain the same planting depth at which the plant was in the old pot.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. The cutting site must be dried for several days before planting. Rooting is carried out in wet sand under a plastic cap or glass. Young seedlings are kept at a temperature of about 23°C. Fresh seeds are sown in the spring on the surface of the soil, without sprinkling soil on top. Germination occurs within 2 months, but it will take several decades to obtain an adult succulent.

Pests and diseases

Overwatering causes rot, especially during the dormant period. Plants lose leaves if kept at too low a temperature.

Note

All parts of tilecodon are poisonous - keep out of reach of children and pets and wash hands thoroughly after handling leaves, shoots or roots.