Trichodiadema INTONSUM

Trichodiadema INTONSUM - Unshorn trichodiadema, Trichodiadema intonsum.

Can be grown in the bonsai style!

Trichodiadema is a genus of low-growing evergreen succulent shrubs in the ice plant family (Aizoaceae), comprising about 30 species distributed across southern and southeastern Africa.

The slow-growing shrub branches abundantly with slender, often drooping stems bearing closely spaced small leaves, forming mat-like cushions 3.5 to 30 cm (1.4 to 11.8 in) tall. The tree-like trunk of most species is covered with light brown bark. Plants use a stout and deep root system to store reserves of moisture and nutrients. Trichodiadema species are often artificially trained into caudiciform bonsai, exposing the thickened roots above the soil and shaping the bush like a tree.

Rounded, oblong green leaves fuse at the base and grow up to 2 cm (0.8 in) in length. On the pointed tips of the succulent opposite leaflets are clusters of 20-25 slender pale bristles. Soft, short, hair-like, radially radiating bristles form a distinctive diadem, distinguishing members of the genus from the closely related Delosperma.

Solitary flowers on short pedicels feature numerous long petals. Flower diameter varies from 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 in) depending on the species. The color palette includes white, cream, yellow, red, and various shades of pink. Flowers open in the morning and close toward evening.

Trichodiadema intonsum is a low succulent shrub growing up to 20 cm (7.9 in) tall, with prostrate or vertically oriented shoots. Fleshy gray-green leaves are slightly curved upward and reach 1 cm (0.4 in) in length. The leaf tips are adorned with a diadem of 5-10 pale bristles. The flowers are white or light pink, up to 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter.

By seeds and cuttings. Seeds are sown in the early spring period after pre-sterilizing containers and soil consisting of 60-80% sand. One can also sow in pure sand, which is easier to sterilize, followed by pricking out at the beginning of the summer period into soil for mature plants.

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Unlike Lithops and Conophytum, shrubby species of Trichodiadema are watered more frequently and are not subjected to a completely dry overwintering, meaning they are watered in the winter period as well. In hot weather, watering is done about once a week when the leaves lose turgor; in the winter period, once every two weeks or once a month, solely to maintain leaf turgor.

The soil is typical for ice plants, consisting of two-thirds or three-quarters coarse sand. Drainage is mandatory. Fertilizers are not used. For normal growth it requires bright sun, but in extreme heat it can dry out, so watering is regular as turgor is lost. Soil with a large proportion of coarse sand is necessary, fast-draining and quick-drying, to avoid rotting of the fleshy roots.

In dry condition, without watering, trichodiademas tolerate light frosts, down to -4 °C (25 °F). The optimal growing temperature is 25-30 °C (77-86 °F) with good illumination, direct sun. In southern regions where the sun is too intense, noon shading may be required.