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Cactus SucculentHouseplants

Pleiospilos compactus
  • RHS AGM

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 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H2
Botanical details
Family
Aizoaceae
Native to the UK
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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