Tylecodon wallichii

Tylecodon wallichii Tylecodon wallichii is a sparingly branched shrublet with a thick, knobby, tuberculate stem and succulent leaves crowded at the branch tips. Cultivation and Propagation: Although usually grown only by specialist caudiform grower it presents no great difficulty in cultivation. It is a winter grower, dormant in the summer. Growing rate: This is a very slow growing species. Soil: Tylecodon wallichii, like all other caudiciforms, requires very well-drained soils. Out-of-Doors prefers sandy soil, sandy loam soil provided the drainage is good. In pot it needs an open medium comprising equal parts of well decomposed compost or finely milled bark, and river or silica sand (or pumice) or a well drained, cactus compost. Repotting: Re pot every 2/3 years using the above compost with added slow release fertilizer, but fully grown plants can remain in the same position for many years. Plant it with the neck at soil level and grow it in pots with a diameter of at least 25 cm. Give it excellent drainage. Fertilization: Because they are adapted to poor soil, feeding is not really necessary, but some ash will not do them any harm. On pots fertilize moderately during the growing season with diluted high potassium fertilizer. Exposure: It is most suitably grown in full exposed areas but it will even grow and bloom in half-sun. Watering: As it is a deciduous winter-growing plant, it likes moisture from late summer to early spring, and withhold water from late spring to summer (dormancy period). In the growing season water when the roots are almost dry, and reduce watering in winter to once every two weeks. Hardiness: Winter minimum temperature is 5ºC but better at 8ºC. The leaves easily drop off in cool conditions. Garden uses: The plants are mostly grown by specialist caudiciform collectors, usually as container subjects. Can take 10 to 20 years to reach maturity. A word of caution - do not plant the swollen stems too deep. Ensure the slender neck of the plant is just protruding above the soil with only the root underground. It can also be propagated from cuttings in late Autumn.   Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz