Tylecodon care requirements
Quick answer
For Tylecodon, care requirements come down to this: Tylecodon (Winter type) is a genus of succulent plants from South Africa's winter rainfall regions, formerly classified within Cotyledon. They are characterized by their gnarled, often twisted stems and small, kidney-shaped to rounded leaves that are deciduous — falling off during summer dormancy. The genus shows remarkable diversity in growth forms, from dwarf shrubs to tree-sized specimens 6 feet tall. Tylecodon are toxic to livestock, containing bufadienolide cardiac glycosides.
Start here:
- 1. Water only in autumn through spring when plant has leaves
- 2. Keep completely dry in summer when plant is leafless and dormant
What care requirements mean for Tylecodon
Tylecodon (Winter type) is a genus of succulent plants from South Africa's winter rainfall regions, formerly classified within Cotyledon. They are characterized by their gnarled, often twisted stems and small, kidney-shaped to rounded leaves that are deciduous — falling off during summer dormancy. The genus shows remarkable diversity in growth forms, from dwarf shrubs to tree-sized specimens 6 feet tall. Tylecodon are toxic to livestock, containing bufadienolide cardiac glycosides.
How to meet Tylecodon care requirements
- 1
Water only in autumn through spring when plant has leaves
- 2
Keep completely dry in summer when plant is leafless and dormant
- 3
Use very gritty soil with excellent drainage — 80%+ inorganic material
- 4
Handle carefully — all parts are toxic if ingested
- 5
Prune to maintain shape — cut stems back in late spring after leaf fall
Keeping Tylecodon in range
Water sparingly in autumn/winter; keep completely dry in summer; protect from frost.