Method of Cultivating Gibbaeum pilosulum from the Aizoaceae Family
The editor will explain the cultivation aspects of the succulent plant Gibbaeum pilosulum, detailing the method of growing Gibbaeum pilosulum from the Aizoaceae family. Let's share the detailed content next.
Gibbaeum pilosulum belongs to the Aizoaceae family, the驼峰花属 (Trompettia) (also known as the藻玲玉属), and is native to the Little Karoo Plateau in South Africa. Gibbaeum pilosulum is a perennial herb that resembles a copy of the藻铃玉, but it is smaller and slightly yellower in color than the藻铃玉. Its epidermis is thinner than that of the藻铃玉, and the plant is very fleshy, easily forming clusters. The fleshy leaves at the base merge into an oval or sub-oval shape, with symmetrical or asymmetrical sides. The leaf tip has a saddle-shaped notch. The leaf epidermis is relatively thin and smooth. Young plants are solitary, while older plants form clusters. The leaf color ranges from light green to light yellow-green. The flowers emerge from between two leaves, with pink petals that are slightly curved, about 2 cm in diameter. Generally, each plant produces only one flower, and when clustering, the blooming is very spectacular.
Gibbaeum pilosulum blooms in the afternoon with plenty of sunlight and closes at night, maintaining this pattern for about 7 days. It is difficult to bloom if it encounters cloudy or rainy weather or insufficient light in the cultivation area. The plants cross-pollinate, and Gibbaeum pilosulum easily forms clusters. Each year, the plant sheds 2 heads, and if a large cluster is formed, the number of shed heads in the following year may decrease to 1, at which point the plant can be divided. This allows the nutrients to regenerate and the heads to normalize, but the clustering plant is still more beautiful and spectacular.
Gibbaeum pilosulum enters dormancy in summer and grows in other seasons. The shedding period of Gibbaeum pilosulum can be quite long, extending throughout the growing season. During the shedding period, it is beneficial to expose the plant to sunlight and reduce watering, while also being careful not to sunburn the plant, as Gibbaeum pilosulum is very prone to sunburn. The shedding process involves the outer old skin gradually drying out and providing nutrients to the new plant. Sometimes, the new and old leaves can grow simultaneously, and the shedding of Gibbaeum pilosulum is faster than that of the藻铃玉. For planting, a mixture of coal slag and a small amount of peat, along with a little red jade soil and orchid stone is used, with the surface covered by granular river sand.
The planting material for Gibbaeum pilosulum should be mainly focused on water permeability and breathability. This species does not tolerate direct sunlight well, and it is essential to provide shade in the summer. During the shedding period, water can be supplemented appropriately. Otherwise, the new leaves are easily sunburned or withered. The semi-woody stem supports the entire leaf structure. The plant should be watered when completely dry, without soaking the pot. During the entire summer, provide shade and place the plant in a bright, well-ventilated area with scattered light, and only give a small amount of water, as too much will cause rot. In the fall, when temperatures drop, watering can be resumed, increasing gradually. If the plant is full, there is no need to water; if the leaves show signs of drooping, water immediately. In winter, avoid low temperatures that may cause frostbite. In a dry potting mix, temperatures as low as -3 degrees Celsius are not a problem. There is a significant difference between north and south, and enthusiasts should adjust their cultivation methods according to their own environment.
Gibbaeum pilosulum can be propagated by either sowing seeds or dividing the plant. The plant only looks beautiful when it forms a cluster. Below is a picture of the clustering Gibbaeum pilosulum I have cultivated. This species is quite tender and juicy and is very susceptible to sunburn, so enthusiasts should be careful not to sunburn it.
The above tips on the cultivation of Gibbaeum pilosulum from the Aizoaceae family are provided in the hope that reading this article can bring you some assistance!