Pictures via Wikimedia
Basic Info
The Pleiospilos nelii is best recognized for being an egg-shaped succulent. As the plant matures you can expect it to reach up to around 13 cm (5″) tall and about 10 cm (4″) in diameter. The plant is mostly green to grey almost ball-shaped succulent. When the plant produces flowers expect orange blooms that smell like coconut.
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Pleiospilos
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
When watering the Pleiospilos nelii (or Split Rock) be careful it is a plant that is sensitive to over-watering. It is a plant that needs to be thoroughly drenched in water and dried before watering again. The plant should be water mostly between Spring to Fall, let the plant dry thoroughly before watering again.
General Care for Pleiospilos nelii ‘Split Rock’
What kind of a plant carer should select the Pleiospilos nelii ‘Split Rock’? It is perfect for a beginner plant grower. The plant does best when cared for indoor in a proper light home. If planted outdoors, it creates small clusters all around it, especially if planted in a rock garden.
Quick Facts:
- Thrives best inside in a proper lit-room
- Don’t water in winter, read guide for more detailed watering information.
- Reaches 13 cm (5″) tall
- Becomes 10 cm (4″) wide
- Best zone for plant is 10a 30° F | -1.1° C
- Does not handle cold well
- Best propagated with leaves
- Generally not toxic
- Grows best during Spring and Fall
Where to Plant
Split Rock is a plant that grows easiest in free-draining gritty compost. The plant does not handle cold well, so if you live an area that is colder than -1.1° C (30° F) use a succulent container. It makes it easier to transport the plant indoor and outdoor.
Pleiospilos nelii is a plant that requires up to 6 hours of sun when planted inside keep it on a window ledge. That means a south-facing window for most of us.
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How to Propagate Pleiospilos nelii ‘Split Rock’
Learning how to propagate Pleiospilos nelii ‘Split Rock’, begin by selecting a sturdy, healthy leaf. Then remove the stem from the main plant, cut the stem off with a sharp knife. Split Rock is one of the species that easily drop its leaves; it can, however, be challenging to grow a large specimen.
Once the leaf is off the Pleiospilos nelii, let it sit for a few days before placing in nutritious and well-drained soil. The soil should be drenched thoroughly, never let the soil dry. Once the plant’s root has started to appear, let the plant take its time to grow.
Origin and Habitat
South Africa ( Little Karoo on the border of the Eastern and Western Cape to the southern-parts of the Great Karoo in the Northern Cape)
