Origin
Gibbaeum pubescens (Haw.) N.E.Br. subsp. shandii (N.E.Br.) Glen is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa.
Common Names
Commonly known as Shand's Gibbaeum, this plant is also referred to by its scientific name.
Uses
Gibbaeum pubescens (Haw.) N.E.Br. subsp. shandii (N.E.Br.) Glen is mostly used for ornamental purposes. The plant can be grown in pots or containers to add to the beauty of a garden or indoor space.
General Appearance
Gibbaeum pubescens (Haw.) N.E.Br. subsp. shandii (N.E.Br.) Glen is a small, clump-forming succulent that grows up to 7 cm in height and 8 cm in diameter. The leaves are green or reddish-brown in color, thick, and covered with hairs, giving the plant a fuzzy appearance. The plant produces small yellow flowers that bloom in the summer months. Shand's Gibbaeum prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Gibbaeum pubescens (Haw.) N.E.Br. subsp. shandii (N.E.Br.) Glen Growth Conditions
Light: Gibbaeum pubescens (Haw.) N.E.Br. subsp. shandii (N.E.Br.) Glen requires full sun to grow properly. It is important to provide at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature: These plants grow well in warm temperatures and can withstand hot and dry conditions. The ideal temperature range is between 60 to 95°F (16 to 35°C). However, the plant can tolerate low temperatures as long as they are not below freezing point.
Soil: Gibbaeum pubescens (Haw.) N.E.Br. subsp. shandii (N.E.Br.) Glen grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil must allow for good air and water flow. Sandy or rocky soils are best, and soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Water: These plants are adapted to arid conditions and do not require frequent watering. Too much water can cause root rot and damage the plant. Water the plant as soon as the soil is completely dry. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Fertilizer: Gibbaeum pubescens (Haw.) N.E.Br. subsp. shandii (N.E.Br.) Glen does not require frequent fertilizing. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season which is typically from spring through fall.
Cultivation Methods
Gibbaeum pubescens (Haw.) N.E.Br. subsp. shandii (N.E.Br.) Glen is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in well-draining soil and full sunlight. It is best to cultivate this plant in warm temperatures of about 18-24°C and slightly higher during the summer months. This plant does well in pots, where it can be protected from excess moisture in the soil.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, it is vital to let the soil dry completely before watering again, making sure not to water too frequently. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant deeply and then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, fertilize the plant during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer formulated for succulent plants. Fertilize once a month, being careful not to over-fertilize, which can lead to excessive leaf growth and a weakened stem.
Pruning
Gibbaeum pubescens (Haw.) N.E.Br. subsp. shandii (N.E.Br.) Glen does not require regular pruning, but it is necessary to remove any dead or yellow leaves to maintain a neat appearance and prevent fungal infections.
Propagation of Gibbaeum pubescens subsp. shandii
Gibbaeum pubescens subsp. shandii, commonly known as "Pebble Plants," is a low-growing succulent that belongs to the family Aizoaceae. Propagation of this plant can be easily done through various methods.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method of propagating Gibbaeum pubescens subsp. shandii. It is best to sow the seeds during the warmer months in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be sown shallowly, just below the surface of the soil, and watered sparingly until the seedlings emerge. It is important to not let the soil dry out completely, but also not to keep it too wet as this may lead to fungal infections.
Once the seedlings have established, they can be transplanted to individual containers and kept in a sunny location with good airflow. After a few months, the seedlings can be fertilized with a succulent-specific fertilizer to encourage growth.
Propagation by offsets
Gibbaeum pubescens subsp. shandii can also be propagated by offsets. Offsets are small, new plants that grow from the base of the parent plant. These are best removed when they are around one-third the size of the parent plant, ensuring that they have developed enough roots to survive on their own.
After removing the offsets, they can be planted into a well-draining potting mix and kept in a sunny location with good airflow. It is important to not overwater the offsets, as this may lead to rotting. After a few months, the offsets can be fertilized with a succulent-specific fertilizer to encourage growth.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also possible with Gibbaeum pubescens subsp. shandii, but it is more challenging than propagation by seeds or offsets. Cuttings are taken from healthy, mature plants and allowed to dry for a few days before being planted in a well-draining potting mix.
It is important to keep the cuttings dry and warm until roots develop, which may take several weeks. Once roots have developed, the cuttings can be watered sparingly and eventually moved to a bright, sunny location with good airflow. After a few months, the cuttings can be fertilized with a succulent-specific fertilizer to encourage growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Gibbaeum pubescens subsp. shandii
Gibbaeum pubescens subsp. shandii is a succulent plant that is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, preventative measures must still be put in place to ensure the plant's health.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Gibbaeum pubescens subsp. shandii is root rot. Root rot affects the root system, causing the plant to wilt and eventually die. Root rot is often caused by overwatering. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent overwatering. Water the plant only when the soil is dry.
Another disease that can affect the plant is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery patches on the leaves and stems of the plant. It is caused by high humidity levels and poor air circulation. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. You can treat mildew by gently washing the affected plant with soapy water or with a fungicide.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests for Gibbaeum pubescens subsp. shandii is mealybugs. Mealybugs are small, white insects that resemble cotton balls. They feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Mealybugs can be controlled by physically removing them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or by applying a natural insecticide such as neem oil.
Another pest that can infest the plant is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that extract the plant's juices, causing yellowing or browning of the leaves. Spider mites thrive in hot and dry conditions. You can manage spider mites by spraying the plant with water to increase humidity or by applying a chemical miticide.
Overall, Gibbaeum pubescens subsp. shandii is a relatively pest and disease-resistant plant. However, preventative measures such as proper watering, providing good air circulation, and using natural pest control measures can make a significant difference in keeping the plant healthy and thriving.
