Smooth Split Rock Watering Advice

9 years ago

I received this what was called 'Smooth Split Rock' today and was hoping for some advice on it's care. This is the first Split Rock I've encountered.

The outer leaves are shriveling up and it looks like two new sets are coming in. Is this normal? Are these similar to Lithops in that I should not water it until the old leaves have completely dried up?

It's very small, pictured in a 2 in. pot, before repotting of course. I'll be putting it into a gritty mix as soon as my turface arrives on Monday.

Thanks for the help!

-Erica

Featured Answer

ewwmayo

9 years ago

Erica - It's not a Pleiospillos or split rock, but rather an Argyroderma. Not sure which species, but the keeled leaf is quite distinctive and may help you identify it further. These are super cool!

Yes, it is like Lithops that you should not water until the old leaves are totally absorbed. I can't tell if yours is growing a second head or just have many pairs of extra leaves from generous watering.

Be very careful because when overwatered the leaves can get too bloated and split/scar. They require as much sun/light as possible (maybe a little bit of shade in the summer if kept outside).

If you decide to repot, going very mineral rich/gritty is recommend. =)

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Comments (11)

mesembs
9 years ago
Water it like you would a normal succulent or cactus. Make sure the new soil you pot it in is well draining, and you shouldn't have a problem!

I always loved those kind of succulents!

Good luck!

~palmsandsnow
Loretta Barnes
9 years ago
It's called Pleiospilos nelii, I do think these are like Lithops with watering, they are absorbing the shriveled outside leaves using them for water, so watering if at all should be sparse, I have Royal Purple and it has spouted out a bloom, makes me smile every time I look at it. The outside pair of leaves are soft, and the new inside ones are firm.
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Loretta Barnes
9 years ago
I'm in PA , too I think 5a, up around Erie.
lgteacher
9 years ago
Better to err on the side of a little too dry than too wet.
ehuns27 7a PA
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks, Kevin. I was hoping you would know. I was planning on potting it up into a mixture of pumice, turface, and granite.

Unfortunately I ran out of turface last time to did a potting and forgot to order more. I should be getting it by Monday so I'll be sifting and washing it right away to get this one in its new home.

Thanks for all the advice. I got this one because it seemed unique. I figured it's good to switch it up from my jade collection.

-Erica
ehuns27 7a PA
Original Author
9 years ago
Loretta, I'm SE PA in the Philadelphia suburbs. I have a friend who lives near Erie but I've never been.

-Erica
ewwmayo
9 years ago
Erica - No problem! I would shift the ratio towards more granite with this one. Sounds like you'll have a really good mix.

I've never seen an Argyroderma in stores locally so I would say that's a pretty good find.
ehuns27 7a PA
Original Author
9 years ago
Great, good to know. I am anxious to get it potted up. I am keeping it out of direct light because the roots are exposed from shipment.

I ordered this from my usual Etsy seller in my latest package. He has wonderful plants but IDs don't always match up.

-Erica
ehuns27 7a PA
Original Author
9 years ago
Update:

Potted into it's new home - heavy on granite and perlite with a little bit of the race.

I haven't watered it at all. Kevin mentioned it may have been growing two new sets of leaves from over-watering so I am waiting for the last set to dry up completely before watering. I think it's looking pretty good!

-Erica
mesembs
9 years ago
Nice! That soil looks a lot better than it did before... Looks like it's doing good!