Publication: Piante Grasse 15(4, Suppl.): 78. 1996 [1995 publ. 1996]
Description
Cheiridopsis gamoepensis is a low, clump-forming succulent plant and develop as mats.
Leaves: Unequal in length emerging from papery sheath with a neat red apiculus. It produces two leaf pairs each year.
Flowers: Diurnal, yellow.
Origin and Habitat
North of Gamoep, Namaqualand District, Northern Cape Province, South Africa.
Cultivation and Propagation
Cheiridopsis is a “winter” grower which are most active from late winter until later spring and heading for summer dormancy, but in favourable growing conditions it keeps going over the summer too and doesn’t need particular care. It is relatively easy to grow.
Soil: Requires good drainage as it it is prone to root rot. It can grows outdoor in sunny, dry, rock crevices (protection against winter wet is required) It can also be cultivated in alpine house, in poor, drained soil.
Fertilization: It thrives in poor soils and seems sensitive to an excess of potassium.
Watering: Water minimally in summer, only when the plant starts shrivelling, water more abundantly when they are growing in the autumn and spring. Requires little water otherwise its epidermis breaks (resulting in unsightly scars).
Light: It needs a bright sunny or light shade exposure in winter, but keep cool and shaded in summer.
Hardiness: It prefer a very bright situation and will take a light frost (Hardy to -5°C) if it is in dry soil. USDA zones 9A-11.
Uses: Container, rock garden.
Propagation: Seed in spring or (or rarely) cuttings. It is easily propagated by seed.
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