Trichodiadema peersii is a charming little plant that looks like a cactus and features lovely white, daisy-like flowers.

Scientific Name

Trichodiadema peersii L.Bolus

Scientific Classification

Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Trichodiadema

Etymology

The specific epithet «peersii (pronounced PEERS-ee-eye)» honors Victor Stanley Peers (1874-1940), an Australian botanist, plant collector, and amateur archeologist.

Origin

Trichodiadema peersii is native to South Africa. It grows on flats hills of karoo shales or siltstones from Willowmore to Jansenville in the Eastern Cape province.

Description

Trichodiadema peersii is a dwarf shrublet with a thickened taproot and short branched with green, subcylindrical leaves. It can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. The leaves are covered with rhomboid bladder cells and have a radiating diadem of 4 to 9 bristles at their tips. They can measure up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) long and 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) wide and thick.

During spring and summer, Trichodiadema peersii produces solitary white flowers that can reach 1.3 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. The fruits are 5-locular capsules with incomplete covering membranes.

Trichodiadema peersii
In habitat, Sarah Baartman Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo by Vathiswa ZIKISHE. Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.

How to Grow and Care for Trichodiadema peersii

Light: Trichodiadema peersii requires bright light but not too much direct sunlight. So, a windowsill with 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon will be perfect for indoor growing.

Soil: The plant thrives in porous soil, allowing the water to drain away quickly. Therefore, use commercial soil for succulents or make your own well-draining mix.

Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem as long as there is plenty of fresh air, but this plant is not cold-hardy. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).

Watering: To keep your Trichodiadema peersii healthy, it is most important to know when, how much, and how often to water it. During the dormant period, usually in winter, the plant requires little or no water. From spring to fall, water it thoroughly but allow the soil to dry between waterings.

Fertilizing: As long as you repot this plant every two years, it does not need fertilizer.

Repotting: Even if your plant can stay happy in the same pot for years, you can repot it occasionally to give it more space during the growing season. However, the best time is at the beginning of the season.

Propagation: There are three methods for propagating this plant. The first is to divide the clumps during the growing season, which is quite simple. The second method is to start the plant from seeds by sowing them in well-draining soil during spring. However, propagating the plant by stem cuttings can be challenging due to the high risk of rot.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.

Toxicity of Trichodiadema peersii

Trichodiadema peersii is considered non-toxic and safe around kids and pets.

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Click on a photo to see a larger version.

Trichodiadema peersii
In habitat, Aberdeen Plain, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo by Bergoewer. Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
Trichodiadema peersii
In habitat, Sarah Baartman Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo by Vathiswa ZIKISHE. Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
Trichodiadema peersii
In habitat, Aberdeen Plain, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo by Bergoewer. Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.