Trichodiadema barbatum

RHS Plant Profile

bearded crownfig

Synonyms

Trichodiadema stellatum

Cactus Succulent Houseplants

An evergreen succulent to 20cm tall, with wiry stems, erect at first, later trailing, and cylindrical, grey-green leaves. The stems grow from a tuberous rootstock which becomes raised above soil-level with age. In early spring, bright pink, daisy-like flowers are produced at the stem tips

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0-0.1 metre
Max Height: 0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H1C

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Aizoaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Tufted
Genus: Trichodiadema are small succulent perennials, often mat-forming, with fleshy leaves tipped with a tuft of bristles, and solitary daisy-like flowers in various colours
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: South Africa (Cape)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in standard cactus compost in full light with low humidity. In growth, water moderately and apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser every 3-4 weeks; keep dry at other times . See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or stem section cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Low Maintenance
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free