Tylecodon

Origin

The genus *Tylecodon* belongs to the family Crassulaceae. The genus name is an anagram of *Cotyledon*, because the species of *Tylecodon* were formerly classified as *Cotyledon*. However, botanists disagree on how many species belong to the genus. Therefore, depending on the author, between 7 and 30 species are mentioned. The species originally come from the winter rainfall regions of Namibia and South Africa.

Appearance

Tylecodon are stem-forming succulents. The stems are thickened and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The bark of the stem often peels off in strips. The leaves are usually arranged spirally. The calyx-shaped flowers are whitish, yellow, green, or pink.

Care

Location: Tylecodon plants prefer a bright and sunny location. They can also tolerate direct sunlight well. A good place is therefore a south-facing window.
Substrate: The substrate should be loose and permeable so that water can drain well. Cactus and succulent substrate mixed with mineral components is well suited.
Watering: These succulents don't need much water and should generally be watered less rather than more. Between waterings, the substrate should dry out completely and the water should drain well. Succulents cannot tolerate waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: During the growing season, the plant can be fertilized once a month with cactus and succulent fertilizer. During the dormant period, succulents do not require fertilizer.
Summer/Winter: Tylecodon can spend the summer outdoors after the plant has been slowly acclimated to direct sunlight. At temperatures below 5°C, the plant should be brought back indoors. In winter, some species shed their leaves. Watering can then be reduced to a minimum. A bright location with 10°C to 15°C is now ideal.

Popular species

Tylecodon buchholzianus: This succulent is a small, branched shrub. The plant is covered with small spots and bumps. Its green leaves appear during the growth phase and are rather short-lived – the flowers are tubular and pink.

Note: Tylecodon can be toxic, therefore we cannot guarantee compatibility with animals.