| Botanical Name |
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| Family |
Aizoaceae - The fig-marigold family or ice plant family |
| Pronunciation |
glot-tih-FILL-um de-PRESS-um |
| Common Name(s) |
Afrikaans: Skilpadskos; Volstruiskos
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| Plant Group |
- Ground Cover A plant with a low-growing, spreading habit, grown specifically to cover the ground.
- Succulent A plant having fleshy stems or leaves often adapted to dry conditions.
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| Plant Size |
- Small to Medium
| Tree | 8m to 15m |
| Shrub | 75cm to 1m |
| Perennial/ground cover | 20cm to 40cm |
| Bulb | 30cm to 40cm |
| Succulent | 20cm to 40cm |
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| Position |
- Dry Shade Shady areas where soil has poor water retention or are dependent on rain for their moisture needs.
- Light or Dappled Shade Found below trees with sparse, open foliage. Ideal for the protection of herbaceous plants.
- Partial Shade The area is in shade for part of the day and in full sun for part of the day.
- Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.
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| General Information |
- Drought Tolerance: High The plant is well adapted to arid conditions; it can survive long periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
- Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
- Frost: Tender A plant that will not survive any frost or low winter temperatures.
- Water Wise Plant species originating from low rainfall regions that require less water to survive and thrive than other plant species.
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| Specific Information |
Glottiphylum Depressum is a low growing, compact succulent plant with large, fat, bright green, flattened succulent leaves with rounded tips. The leaves are soft, smooth to the touch and break rather easily. Slower growing than carpobrotus varieties and does not invade.
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| Flowers |
| Description |
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| Season |
- All Year Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.
- Autumn Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.
- Spring Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.
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| Colour |
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| Growth Rate |
- Moderate Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.
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| Plant Uses |
- Attracts bees, butterflies or other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.
- Border A strip of ground, at the edge of a driveway or path in which ornamental plants or shrubs are planted.
- Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
- Edging A low growing plant that provides softness or definition to the edges of a bed or walkway.
- Filler Either a fast growing tree or shrub used temporarily to fill in an area while the permanent plants grow to a desired size, or a plant used to fill gaps in borders or beds.
- Ground Cover Low-lying plants that spread fast, require minimal maintenance, and cover large expanses or bare areas between bulbs or shrubs. They provide protection from erosion and drought and improve the visual appearance of the garden.
- Mass Planting Plants useful for filling a large area with just one or a few kinds of plants spaced close together. Creates a bold, dramatic effect and to reduces maintenance.
- Pot Plant A plant that needs a protected environment on a patio or indoors.
- Rock Garden An area constructed of larger rocks, arranged naturally, to emphasise the use of stones as a main element. Generally plants used do not need a lot of care.
- Stabilize Banks Plant is used to prevent soil erosion because their roots will form a mat that stabilizes the soil and keeps it from washing away in heavy rains.
- Suitable for coastal gardens Plants adapted to dry, sandy soil, forceful wind, limited rainfall and intense sunlight.
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| Distribution and Habitat |
Little Karoo and Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, in rocky places in and the shade of other plants
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| Planting Suggestions |
Plant in well drained soil in sun or light shade. Add a little compost and water moderately for optimum results.Watch out for huge slugs and snails that find this succulent a succulent snack and very easy to rasp away, making it look most unattractive for a long time.
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| Medicinal Uses |
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Comments
Glottiphylum health
should the leaves be firm? mine are droopy. too much water or too little? Theyare growing in a small pot with well draining soil, in indirect sunlight. Maybe needs more direct sun?
Glottiphylum health
Hi Ben
From your description I would go with too little water. Small pots hold very little water and can become extremely dry. During drought conditions here my Glottiphylum's leaves become droopy and rubbery but recover quickly after a bit of rain. These plants appreciate a bit more shade than many other succulents, so I wouldn't move them into a sunnier position. It may be a good idea to pot your plant in a slightly bigger pot with soil that retains a bit more water, but still drains well, or water it more frequently.
If, on the other hand, the leaves are in any way slimy, your problem would be too much water.
Kind regards
Lorraine
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