Origin and Common Names:
Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley is a small, succulent plant that belongs to the family of Aizoaceae. The plant is native to South Africa, particularly in the regions of Cape Province, which is known for its diverse flora and rich plant life. It is commonly known as the "Rose-flowered gibbaeum" or "White gibbaeum".
Uses:
Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum is a highly decorative plant that is often grown as an ornamental plant in succulent gardens due to its unique and striking appearance. It is also used in xeriscaping in arid and semi-arid regions as the plant requires low water needs. The plant is occasionally used in traditional medicine in South Africa to treat constipation, although its effectiveness for this purpose has yet to be scientifically proven.
General Appearance:
Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum is a small, low-growing, and perennial succulent that typically reaches up to 5 cm in height and 10 cm in diameter. The plant has a compact, rosette-shaped form that consists of flat, fleshy leaves that are greenish-blue in color and densely covered with white wool-like hairs on their upper surface. The plant's tiny flowers are star-shaped, and typically bloom in late winter to early spring on tall stems that reach up to 10 cm in height. The flowers are a striking shade of bright pink or rose-red, which provides a beautiful contrast against the white wool-like hairs of the leaves.
Light Requirements
Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum requires full sun to thrive. They can tolerate partial shade for a limited amount of time throughout the day, but they prefer at least six hours of direct sunlight. Growers should position the plant in a location that offers the maximum amount of bright light as possible. Indoor gardeners should place the potted plant close to an unobstructed southern-facing window or use artificial lighting for at least six hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum grows best in warm to hot temperatures. During the summer months, temperatures as high as 95°F (35°C) are acceptable, and the minimum temperature for its growth is around 60°F (15°C). During the winter or dormant period, the plant can handle slightly cooler temperatures of around 50°F (10°C). This succulent is not frost-tolerant, so growers should bring the plant indoors when the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C).
Soil Requirements
Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum prefers well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline. A suitable potting mix can be created by mixing equal parts of coarse sand, perlite, and peat moss. The soil should be kept dry between watering to avoid root rot, and the pot should have drainage holes at the bottom. It is essential to use a potting mix rather than garden soil because the latter is too dense and does not allow proper drainage, resulting in plant death.
Cultivation Methods
Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley, commonly known as Gibbaeum, is a small, slow-growing succulent plant native to the rocky hillsides of southern Namibia and the Northern Cape of South Africa. Gibbaeum requires a well-draining soil mixture with 50 - 70% mineral grit, coarse sand or pumice. In cultivation, Gibbaeum prefers a mix of 50% mineral grit, coarse sand, and 50% potting soil. Gibbaeum prefers to grow in a pot with a diameter of about 10 cm and a depth of 7 cm. Add a layer of gravel or coarse sand to the bottom of the pot for drainage.
Watering Needs
Gibbaeum is drought tolerant, and overwatering can harm the plant. Water the plant only when the soil is dry. Gibbaeum needs less water in winter when it becomes dormant. Avoid watering the plant from above, as water can collect inside and damage the plant. Water the plant instead around the edge of the pot. Don't let the plant sit in water as this can cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Fertilization
Gibbaeum is a slow-growing plant and does not need frequent feeding. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be used during the summer growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength and apply it once a month to the soil. Do not fertilize Gibbaeum during the winter dormancy period, as this can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Gibbaeum does not require regular pruning. However, if the plant becomes too leggy, it can be pruned in early spring to encourage new growth. Use sharp, sterile scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut. Gibbaeum can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Propagation Methods for Gibbaeum Album N.E.Br. Forma Roseum
Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley, commonly known as the ‘Orange Baby Toes’ is a succulent plant with attractive, fleshy, and tiny leaves that form rosettes. Propagation of this plant is easy, and several methods can be used to grow new plants. Here are the different propagation methods for Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum:
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum using seeds is the easiest way to grow new plants. Collect ripe seeds in late summer then allow them to dry for a few days. Sow them in well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum seeds should germinate within two to four weeks if they are kept warm and humid. Once the seedlings are big enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Division
Division involves taking healthy rosettes and separating them from the mother plant. This method is ideal for mature plants that have grown offsets or pups. Divide the plant during the growing season by removing the offsets with a clean, sharp knife, making sure that each pup has some roots attached. Allow the wounds to dry before planting the offsets in well-draining soil.
Propagation by Cuttings
Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum can be propagated from stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem of the plant and let the cutting dry for several days. Then, plant the stem cutting into well-draining soil mix and mist the soil surface with water. You can root the cuttings in water or directly plant them in the soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and roots will develop within six to eight weeks.
Disease Management
Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley is a succulent plant that is prone to fungal diseases, especially Phytophthora and Pythium root rots. These diseases usually attack the root system of the plant, leading to wilting, discoloration, and eventually death. To manage these diseases, it is recommended to avoid overwatering the plant and to ensure that the soil is well-draining. Additionally, treating the soil with fungicides like copper hydroxide can help prevent the occurrence of these diseases.
Another common disease that affects Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley is powdery mildew. It is characterized by a white powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. The disease can be controlled by applying fungicides like sulfur or potassium bicarbonate to the affected areas. Additionally, proper air circulation and reducing the humidity around the plant can help prevent the occurrence of powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Gibbaeum album N.E.Br. forma roseum (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley is generally resistant to most pests. However, some common pests like spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs can occasionally attack the plant. These pests usually feed on the sap of the plant, leading to stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting.
To manage these pests, it is recommended to regularly inspect the plant and remove any affected parts. Additionally, treating the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control the pests. Proper hygiene practices like removing dead leaves and debris from around the plant can also help prevent pest infestation.
