Publication: Natl. Cact. Succ. J. (U.K.) 28(1): 6 (1973)
Description
Cheiridopsis pillansii var. crassa with soft pubescent crimped leaves differs minimally from the standard Cheiridopsis pillansii and it is hard to tell apart only by body characteristics.
Habit: It is a small cushion forming and low growing leaf succulent.
Stems: Very short with only 2 or 4 leaves.
Leaves: Up to 4,5 cm long, ale grey, fat, with rounded ends and many dark dots. Leaves are soft and pubescent.
Flowers: Large, scented, up to 6 cm in diameter, usually yellow, but also pinkish or orange in colour.
Blooming season: Autumn.
Remarks: The Cheiridopsis is dormant in summer.
Origin and Habitat
Little Namaqualand, Northern Cape, South Africa.
Cultivation and Propagation
The Cheiridopsis pillansii is a “winter” grower which is 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.
Soil: Requires good drainage as it it is prone to root rot.
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: Seeds, cuttings. It is easily propagated by seed.