Argyroderma delaettii - 10 Seed Pack - Indigenous Succulent Mesemb - Combined Global Shipping NEW

Argyroderma is a genus is in the Aizoaceae family consisting of over 50 species of mesembs indigenous to South Africa. The genus name is derived from the Greek words argyros (silver) and derma (skin), which describes the silvery blue-grey-green leaves that are characteristic of this genus. These unique plants are among those known as living stones or stone plants, because their blue-green leaves resemble small stones. They form small clumps of egg-shaped leaves that are cleft in the center. Solitary daisy-like flowers, usually white, yellow, or purple, appear in the cleft.

       
Like most succulents, they prefer to be kept dry in winter and are also damaged by repeated frosts. Their preferred mode of cultivation is a bright and sunny position with gritty free-draining soil. They may be propagated from seed, or careful division of established clumps. All are very well suited to pot culture. The plants are extremely popular among collectors. They should be treated like Lithops and watered during the summer. Care, however, must be taken not to water the plants too much lest the leaves split. Argyroderma prefer a well-drained loamy soil; they don’t like frequent repotting and can be grown in relatively small pots for years. They are propagated by seed or division of multi-headed plants.

Argyroderma delaettii has a wide distribution in the Knersvlakte, from Vanrhynsdorp (in the south) to east of Bitterfontein in Namaqualand. It is locally abundant among quartz pebbles on the tops and gentle slopes of hills. The plants are solitary and well sunken into the ground. The flowers are purple, yellow, white or rarely red. Argyroderma delaettii is variable and sometimes difficult to identify. Young plants may be confused with Argyroderma crateriformis, but the latter always divides to form clusters, while Argyroderma delaettii always remains solitary. We also have other varieties of Argyroderma delaettii available.