Plate No. 41
Split Rock
Pleiospilos nelii
"A pair of pebbles that split to bloom"
Native to
Semi-desert of the Little Karoo, South Africa
History
A brief account
Split Rock is one of the most curious succulents, with two swollen leaves that appear almost fused together and open only slightly to reveal a narrow fissure between them. Named for the South African botanist Gert Cornelius Nel, it has become prized for its strange, pebble-like form and the dramatic flowers it produces in autumn. When it blooms, a single daisy-like flower often emerges from the crack between the leaves, sometimes larger than the plant itself and glowing in copper, salmon, or gold. Its odd silhouette and occasional display of blossom make it especially compelling to collectors.
How to care for
Place Split Rock according to its light needs: Full sun. For watering, very sparing — only in autumn and spring. None in summer or midwinter. For the potting medium, use extremely mineral: pumice, coarse sand and a little loam. Good drainage is essential: let surplus water escape freely and never leave the roots standing in a wet saucer.
5–30°C. Frost-tender. Check the compost before watering instead of following a rigid calendar, since light, temperature, pot size and season all affect how quickly it dries. During slower growth, reduce watering and wait longer between drinks.
How to propagate
From seed. Cuttings rarely take. Propagation is most reliable during the plant's active growing season, when warmth and good light help new roots establish. Start with clean tools and healthy material, and keep the new plant in conditions appropriate for the parent.
Where a cutting or division creates a wound, allow the surface to dry before planting unless the method calls for immediate rooting in water or moist mix. Once roots form and fresh growth appears, gradually move the young Split Rock into its normal watering routine; excess moisture is especially risky while the root system is still small.
Cultivation
Quick tips for care & planting
- Light
- Full sun.
- Water
- Very sparing — only in autumn and spring. None in summer or midwinter.
- Soil
- Extremely mineral: pumice, coarse sand and a little loam.
- Temperature
- 5–30°C. Frost-tender.
- Propagation
- From seed. Cuttings rarely take.