Tylecodon HIRTIFOLIUM

Tylecodon HIRTIFOLIUM - Hairy-leaved tylecodon, Tylecodon hirtifolium.

Tylecodon is a genus of low-growing succulent perennial shrubs in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae), native to South Africa, Namibia, and Namaqualand.

Most species are low-growing succulent shrublets with stout, thick, fleshy, and succulent stems covered with light brown or gray bark that can crack and peel.

Green or bluish waxy-coated simple leaves form a lush crown at the tops of the stems; they can be long, rounded in cross-section, elliptic, cylindrical, or spoon-shaped. In some species, the leaves are pubescent. They may be succulent or not. Tylecodon grows very slowly, reaching 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in height in its natural habitat.

Bell-shaped flowers up to 1.5 cm (0.6 in) in diameter, pink, greenish, or yellow-brown in color, are gathered into paniculate inflorescences on slender leafless peduncles. The flowers frequently appear after the leaves have dropped.

Tylecodon hirtifolium is a perennial succulent; the small shrub features thick, knobby stems branching toward the top. The thick yellowish branches with rough bark and gray-green upwardly curved lanceolate leaves are exceptionally attractive. It blooms with an elongated inflorescence consisting of tubular flowers.

Seeds without pre-soaking are sown onto shallow dishes on the surface, barely covering them, or lightly dusted on top with fine clean sand. Sowing uses a substrate of 1 part leaf soil or peat soil mix and 1/2 part coarse sand; 1/2 part vermiculite and small charcoal pieces can also be added. Seeds are moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light, but not in direct sun, at a temperature of 18-23 °C (64-73 °F). Sprouts need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the sowings.

Special notes: The seeds are extremely (!) small, dust-like.

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Tylecodon grows slowly and is among the most demanding succulents. The difficulty of cultivation lies in the fact that its active growth occurs during the autumn-winter period, whereas in summer plants enter dormancy. This fact requires various adaptations. Powerful supplemental lighting is required during active growth, alongside a mineral substrate with minimal watering.

During the growth period, the temperature should be raised to 25-30 °C (77-86 °F), which poses several challenges in winter; a drop below 10-13 °C (50-55 °F) is unacceptable. Some species tolerate temperature fluctuations down to light frost. During summer dormancy, it is kept comfortably at summer room temperatures of 19-35 °C (66-95 °F) in a dry and well-ventilated room. The plant loves fresh air.

Moderate watering is needed throughout the year, but after leaf drop, watering is curtailed. Spraying is not required. Feeding is performed during the growth period once every 2 weeks with fertilizers for cacti and succulents.

It is tolerant of various soil types, occurring both in rock crevices and coastal sands of the south. Optimal for cultivation is a substrate of sod soil, leaf soil, and coarse sand with the addition of charcoal and crushed limestone. Repotting is carried out in spring and only as a last resort; it is best not to disturb the plant for as long as possible. After repotting, tylecodon takes a very long time to establish.