Origin
Tylecodon buchholzianus (Schuldt & Stephens) Toelken subsp. buchholzianus is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa. It is commonly found growing in the Northern Cape Province and the western regions of the Free State Province.
Common Names
Tylecodon buchholzianus is commonly known as the Buchholz’s tylecodon, the snake-tree tylecodon, or simply the snake-tree. The latter name is due to its twisted, snake-like shape, especially as it grows older.
Uses
The Tylecodon buchholzianus plant is primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant for its unique appearance. It is a slow-growing plant that can be grown in pots or planted in open ground as part of a rock garden or succulent collection. However, it is essential to keep the plant in a well-draining soil mix, to avoid waterlogging the roots.
General Appearance
Tylecodon buchholzianus is a small, branching succulent plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall with a maximum stem diameter of around 10 cm. The plant’s leaves are thin and elongated, often twisted and somewhat resembling fleshy snakes. They are green and covered in small, warty protuberances that give them a rough texture. When the plant is about to flower, it produces a tall spike from the stem tip, with clusters of yellow or orange flowers. These flowers are tubular in shape and hang downward, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Overall, Tylecodon buchholzianus is a fascinating and unique plant that is a great addition to any succulent collection due to its twisted and snake-like appearance.Light Requirements
Tylecodon buchholzianus subsp. buchholzianus typically requires full sun to partial shade, depending on the region in which it is grown. In its native range, the plant is often found growing in rocky outcroppings and cliffs, where it is exposed to a great deal of sunlight. In cultivation, this plant should be placed in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
This species is native to the winter rainfall region of South Africa and consequently thrives in cooler temperatures. In its natural habitat, this plant sees temperatures between 45-85°F (7-29°C). In cultivation, Tylecodon buchholzianus subsp. buchholzianus can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9-11, and should generally be kept between 50-80°F (10-27°C). Avoid placing the plant near heat sources or in locations where it may be exposed to extreme temperature changes.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is essential for the health of Tylecodon buchholzianus subsp. buchholzianus. It has a shallow root system and is susceptible to root rot if planted in soil that retains too much moisture. A planting mix that is 50% grit or sand and 50% organic matter such as peat moss, compost, or coir is an ideal choice for this plant. Additionally, this species prefers a soil pH between 6.0-7.5, which can be achieved by adding lime to the planting mix.
Cultivation Methods for Tylecodon buchholzianus (Schuldt & Stephens) Toelken subsp. buchholzianus
Tylecodon buchholzianus is a succulent plant that is native to the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. It's a slow-growing, medium-sized plant that can be propagated by stem cuttings or seeds. Proper cultivation methods include:
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Provide bright, filtered light
- Maintain a temperature range of 10°C to 30°C
- Avoid overwatering
- Protect from frost
Watering Needs for Tylecodon buchholzianus (Schuldt & Stephens) Toelken subsp. buchholzianus
Tylecodon buchholzianus is drought-tolerant and prefers dry soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Some tips for watering this plant include:
- Water deeply but infrequently
- Allow the soil to dry completely between watering
- Water less often in cooler months or during dormancy
- Avoid getting water on the foliage or stem
Fertilization of Tylecodon buchholzianus (Schuldt & Stephens) Toelken subsp. buchholzianus
Fertilization is not necessary for Tylecodon buchholzianus but can be applied occasionally to promote growth. Some tips for fertilization include:
- Use a balanced fertilizer for succulents
- Fertilize more frequently during active growth periods
- Apply a diluted fertilizer solution to avoid root burn
Pruning Tylecodon buchholzianus (Schuldt & Stephens) Toelken subsp. buchholzianus
Tylecodon buchholzianus does not require regular pruning but can benefit from occasional maintenance to promote a more compact growth pattern. Some tips for pruning include:
- Prune in early spring before new growth starts
- Cut back leggy or overgrown stems to encourage branching
- Remove dead or diseased parts of the plant as needed
Propagation of Tylecodon Buchholzianus (Schuldt & Stephens) Toelken subsp. Buchholzianus
Tylecodon buchholzianus (Schuldt & Stephens) Toelken subsp. buchholzianus can be propagated through various methods. This species can be propagated through seed, leaf cuttings, and stem cuttings.
Propagation by seed
The propagation of Tylecodon buchholzianus (Schuldt & Stephens) Toelken subsp. buchholzianus through seeds, requires first to harvest the seeds. The seeds can be harvested when the flower heads start to dry and split. The seeds should be collected in a dry container to prevent moisture damage.
Once the seeds are harvested, they should be cleaned, sorted, and stored in a dry place at room temperature. To initiate germination, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours.
After soaking, place the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them moist. The temperature should be maintained at around 20 to 25°C. Germination usually takes three to six weeks.
Propagation by leaf cuttings
Propagation of Tylecodon buchholzianus (Schuldt & Stephens) Toelken subsp. buchholzianus through leaf cuttings, requires a clean cut of a leaf from a mature plant. The leaf cutting should be allowed to form a callus before planted. This helps in the formation of roots.
Once the callus is formed, plant the leaf cutting in well-draining soil and keep it moist. The cutting should be kept in a warm and bright location but protected from direct sunlight.
Propagation by stem cuttings
The propagation of Tylecodon buchholzianus (Schuldt & Stephens) Toelken subsp. buchholzianus through stem cuttings, requires a clean cut from a mature plant. The stem should be allowed to form a callus before planted.
Plant the stem cutting in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist. The cutting should be kept in a warm and bright location, protected from direct sunlight. The stem should form roots within a few weeks.
Tylecodon buchholzianus (Schuldt & Stephens) Toelken subsp. buchholzianus can be propagated through various methods, but care should be taken to ensure these methods are done correctly. Propagation should be done in a well-draining soil and kept moist to prevent waterlogging.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that affect Tylecodon buchholzianus is fungal infections. Fungal growth affects plant health and can lead to reduced growth, wilting, and death. Preventative measures, such as ensuring that the plants are kept dry and avoiding overwatering, can help reduce the risk of fungal infections. In the event of an outbreak, fungicides can be used to control the spread of the fungus on the plant.
Bacterial infections can also affect Tylecodon buchholzianus. Symptoms of bacterial infection include wilting, leaf spots, and stem rot. Managing bacterial diseases involves removing infected plant parts, sterilizing tools, and avoiding over-watering. The use of bactericides can also help control bacterial infections.
Pest Management
Thrips, spider mites, and mealybugs are common pests that can attack Tylecodon buchholzianus. Thrips often cause damaged leaves and can transmit viruses to the plant. Spider mites are very small and can cause webbing and leaf discoloration. Mealybugs suck sap from the plant, causing significant damage. Regular monitoring of the plants can help identify a pest invasion before it spreads.
Preventive measures, such as maintaining good hygiene, practicing crop rotation, and avoiding over-fertilization, can help reduce the risk of pest invasions. Mechanical methods such as picking off the insects by hand can be useful for small infestations. Insecticides can also be used to control severe pest invasions.
