How to Grow Pseudolithos migiurtinus? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods
Pseudolithos migiurtinus, also known as Pseudolithos eylensis, is a succulent plant of the genus Pseudolithos in the Apocynaceae family. Its fleshy stem is spherical when young and gradually becomes cylindrical later, with dense triangular, hemispherical, or conical tubercles, resembling the spiral curls of hair on a Buddha's head, which is how it got the name “Buddha's Head Succulent.” Its plant form is unusual, and its colors are understated yet elegant. Let us take a look at how to grow Pseudolithos migiurtinus!
Growth Habits of Pseudolithos migiurtinus
Pseudolithos migiurtinus is native to southern Africa and is distributed in South Africa, Namibia, and other places. It prefers a warm, dry, and sunny environment, requires good ventilation, is slightly tolerant of partial shade, is drought-tolerant, and dislikes overly moist soil. It is not cold-hardy and also fears intense heat. It grows well under conditions of warm winters and cool summers.
Propagation Methods of Pseudolithos migiurtinus
Pseudolithos migiurtinus can be propagated by cutting off side shoots for cuttings. If there are no side shoots, you can cut off the upper part of the plant, let it dry for 5-7 days, and insert it into coarse sand or vermiculite. The lower part remains in the original soil, and before long it will sprout many small plants. Once they have grown a little larger, remove them for cuttings. For clustered plants, you can also divide them during repotting. If seeds can be collected, sowing can also be used for propagation.
Cultivation Methods for Pseudolithos migiurtinus
1. Light: Pseudolithos migiurtinus has its growing seasons from March to May and from September to November. Give it sufficient and stable light and turn the pot frequently so that every part of the plant receives even sunlight, preventing the fleshy stem from growing crooked. If light is sometimes strong and sometimes weak, the plant will become uneven in thickness, affecting its ornamental value.
2. Watering: Water Pseudolithos migiurtinus by the principle of “water thoroughly only after the soil has dried out,” and be careful to prevent rain from soaking it. Apply a once-monthly diluted decomposed liquid fertilizer or compound fertilizer.
3. Repotting: Repot Pseudolithos migiurtinus once each spring or autumn. The potting soil should be loose, fertile, contain an appropriate amount of lime, and have good drainage. You can mix 3 parts leaf mold, 1 part garden soil, 3 parts coarse sand or vermiculite, and add a small amount of bone meal.
4. Summer: During high temperatures in summer, Pseudolithos migiurtinus enters a dormant or semi-dormant state. Although the fleshy stem stops growing, flowers will continue to open one after another. It can be moved to a place with bright light but no direct sunlight for care. Water lightly, but do not overwater. Strengthen ventilation to prevent rot caused by stuffiness and humidity.
5. Winter: In cold winter, Pseudolithos migiurtinus is also in a dormant state. It requires sufficient sunlight, strictly controlled watering, and the temperature must not be lower than 10°C.