2-10cm matelea cyclophylla

Product Description

• Origin: Native to arid regions of southern Africa, including Namibia and South Africa’s Northern Cape, adapted to dry, rocky soils and semi-desert habitats with seasonal rainfall.
• Growth: Develops a large, woody caudex (up to 10 inches/25cm diameter) with a distinctive cracked, cork-like bark resembling tortoise shell. Stems are short, bearing round, glossy green leaves (2-3 inches/5-7.5cm wide) that cluster at the top of the caudex.
• Flowers: Blooms in summer with small, star-shaped white to pale pink flowers on short stalks above the foliage. Flowers are delicate and subtle, complementing the plant’s striking caudex rather than overshadowing it.
• Light: Requires bright direct sunlight (5-6 hours daily) to maintain caudex health and compact leaf growth. Indoor plants need a south-facing window; outdoor plants thrive in full sun with partial shade in extreme heat.
• Watering: Water sparingly during active growth (spring-summer)—let soil dry completely between waterings. Reduce to rare watering in winter (dormancy); overwatering causes caudex rot.
• Soil & Potting: Use ultra-well-draining mix of cactus soil + pumice + coarse sand (2:2:1 ratio). Plant caudex with 1/3 exposed above soil; choose a shallow, wide pot to highlight its unique bark.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 9-11. Tolerates brief temperatures down to 32°F (0°C); protect from frost and keep indoors in colder climates.