Trichodiadema

Origin

The genus Trichodiadema (also known as African Bonsai) belongs to the family Aizoaceae. The approximately 30 species are originally found in South Africa and Namibia. The genus is closely related to the genus Delosperma.

Appearance

Trichodiadema plants are dwarf shrubs that can reach a height of 3 cm to 60 cm. The roots often become woody or are tuberous. The leaves usually grow in rosettes on the shoots and have star-shaped thorns at the tip. The flowers are white, yellow, red, or pink.

Care

Location: Trichodiadema prefers a bright, sunny location. It should only be protected from the very hot midday sun, especially if placed behind a window. The heat can build up there and the succulent can get sunburned.
Substrate: The substrate should be loose and permeable so that the water can drain well through it. Cactus and succulent soil with mineral components is ideal.
Watering: A Trichodiadema should only be watered when the substrate is dry. Generally, it's better to underwater than overwater, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogging very well. Therefore, excess water should always be able to drain away. It's best to use a pot with a drainage hole in the bottom or empty the water from the pot after a few minutes.
Fertilizer: During the growing season, Trichodiadema can be fertilized once a month with cactus and succulent fertilizer. During the dormant phase, succulents do not need fertilizer.
Summer/Winter: A Trichodiadema plant can spend the summer outdoors after it has been gradually acclimated to the sun. However, it should be placed back indoors when it gets colder, as it cannot tolerate frost. A location with a temperature of 10°C is ideal in winter. During this time, the plant should not be fertilized and should only be watered sparingly.

Popular species

Trichodiadema densum: This succulent has small, fleshy leaves covered with papillae, i.e. wart-like bumps. At the leaf tip is a star-shaped tuft of white bristles. The flowers are dark pink and only open during the day in sufficient light.

Note: Nothing is known about the toxicity of Trichodiadema, therefore, and generally speaking, we cannot guarantee compatibility with animals.