About
A slow-growing, mat-forming succulent to 8cm tall, with one or two pairs of fat, fleshy, almost hemispherical leaves. In spring, many-petalled bright pink flowers to 6cm across are produced. The leaves are dark purple and speckled with brown dots.
About the genus
Pleiospilos are small, stemless, succulent perennials mostly with one or two pairs of very fleshy, grey-green leaves united at the base, and daisy-like yellow or orange flowers, sometimes coconut-scented, in late summer and autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Houseplants
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in standard cactus compost in full light. During the growing season, water sparingly and apply a dilute, low-nitrogen fertiliser every 4-6 weeks; keep dry at other times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, or separate offsets in spring and summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids while in flower
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root and stem rots in wet conditions