Description | Split Stone Plant (Pleiospilos bolusii) belongs to a group of plants called stone-mimicry plants. Their leaves resemble the stones and pebbles of the area they are native too. In the wild they lie half buried in the soil, making the leaves virtually invisible to the hungry herbivores of the region. |
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Pronunciation | (plee-oh-SPIL-os) |
Plant Type | Succulents, Site author's observations |
Hardiness Zone | 9-11 |
Sunlight | full sun to light shade |
Moisture | The area this plant is native to has opposite seasons as compared to North America. It is a winter grower in North America. Grow it dry in the summer and give it a minimal amount of moisture in the winter. Gently squeeze the leaves to see if it needs water. |
Growing Media | well drained |
Temperature | warm |
Flowers | In the wild the yellow, daisy-like flowers are formed during the rainy season. |
Leaves | A stem less plant with very plump, grey-green, succulent leaves that are spotted or flecked, can reach 3" long by 1.5" wide. |
Stems | stemless |
Roots | fibrous |
Dimensions | small plant that can be grown in a 3" pot. |
Propagation | seeds |
Native Site | South Africa, Karroo |
Misc Facts | The name "pleiospilos" is greek and means many spotted. |
Author's Notes | I have grown this plant for many years. Just watch the watering. If possible grow outside during the summer time and bring into a bright window in the winter. |
Notes & Reference | #02-Exotic Plant Manual (Graf), #17-The World of House Plants |