Trichodiadema bulbosum | Bulbous African bonsai
€26,50
🌱 Morphology
Small perennial succulent, caudiciform and shrubby in habit, reaching up to about 20 cm in height. It develops one or more highly thickened tuberous roots, generally subterranean, which may become partially exposed with age. From these emerge branched, erect or spreading stems with small, grayish-green cylindrical leaves. Each leaf features a characteristic crown of rigid hairs at the apex and a surface covered in small bladder cells, which produce a finely velvety appearance.
🌍 Distribution, habitat and family
Endemic to the Eastern Cape, South Africa, especially in the surroundings of Port Elizabeth and between the Swartkops and Sundays rivers. It inhabits low-lying areas, at an altitude of approximately 20 to 150 m, including floodplains. It belongs to the Aizoaceae family, subfamily Ruschioideae.
❄️ Temperature
USDA Zone 9a–11. It tolerates minimum temperatures down to −7 ºC, provided the substrate is kept dry. This hardiness zone is based on horticultural records; cultivated plants should be specifically protected from the combination of cold and humidity.
☀️ Lighting
It requires very intense light and direct sun to develop a compact structure and promote the thickening of the caudiciform root. During active growth, a target of DLI PAR >20 mol/m²/day is recommended.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Summer dormancy. During the active period, it is recommended to water abundantly and allow the substrate to dry out completely before the next watering. During the summer, with high temperatures, water intake should be significantly reduced, keeping the substrate dry for extended periods.
🌸 Flowering
Solitary flowers, dark pink to pink in color, occasionally with a lighter center, up to about 2 cm in diameter. Natural flowering occurs approximately from September to February in the southern hemisphere; in Madrid, it can be expected between March and August, although the timing may shift depending on cultivation conditions.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, a fertilizer high in assimilable calcium and potassium, such as Desert CHOICE® Aizoáceas, is recommended, applied during watering and avoiding excessive nitrogen.
Difference from Trichodiadema densum: T. intonsum develops a much more prominent tuberous caudex, more erect stems, and shorter, cylindrical leaves covered in bladder cells. T. densum forms a more compact, cushion-like clump with woody stems and leaves up to about 2 cm, topped by a very visible crown of white hairs.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot, with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi.
7 × 7 cm gourmet black pot.
- As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent may vary slightly from the product image. The plant measurements are specified in the photo description, but these may also vary slightly because, after all, it is a living being! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.
- Shipped today? Order within:
- Hassle-free returns
- Free Shipping on orders over €79.99
Expert advice with every purchase
Our team provides you with personalized advice on caring for your plants and growing media.
-
Secure and protected payment guaranteed.
