Pleiospilos compactus
living rock
A mat-forming, succulent, evergreen perennial to 5cm tall, with two pairs of very fleshy, grey-green leaves, flat on the upper surface and keeled beneath. In summer many-petalled, yellow flowers are produced
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Aizoaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Under 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or separate offsets in spring and summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids while in flower
Diseases
May be susceptible to root and stem rots in wet conditions
Get involved
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