Pleiospilos simulans, often called “split rock” or “liver plant,” is a captivating succulent mimicking stones in its native South African desert habitat. Its unique morphology features thick, fleshy, greenish-gray leaves, typically one or two pairs, with small dark spots. This distinctive two-lobed structure, resembling a split rock or an animal’s hoof, is fascinating.
Pleiospilos Simulans Care
Pleiospilos simulans thrives in bright, direct sunlight. Indoors, a south-facing window is ideal. Outdoors, it tolerates full sun, though some light shade can be beneficial in intense heat. Insufficient light leads to etiolation, resulting in stretched, pale, leggy growth.
Well-draining soil prevents root rot. A gritty succulent or cactus mix is needed; standard potting soil retains moisture. Add perlite, pumice, coarse sand, calcined clay, or small bark chips for drainage and aeration. A pot at least 10 cm deep is needed for its long taproot.
Watering Pleiospilos simulans is crucial. They are prone to rot from overwatering. Use the “soak and dry” method, letting soil dry completely between waterings. Water infrequently, only when old leaves shrivel and are absorbed by new growth, drawing moisture from them.
During winter dormancy, restrict or suspend watering. New leaves emerge from the center, absorbing old leaves; watering then disrupts this process, causing old leaves to persist or rot. A mature Pleiospilos simulans tolerates long periods without water, even months.
Pleiospilos simulans prefers warm temperatures. It tolerates high temperatures but requires frost protection. While hardy down to -5°C, it is best to keep them above 5°C to 7°C in colder climates. It thrives in low humidity.
Fertilize Pleiospilos simulans sparingly, as it’s a light feeder. Over-fertilization encourages soft, vulnerable growth. Apply a diluted, low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer once or twice during its growing season, late summer to early fall. Some growers don’t fertilize due to minimal nutrient needs.
Repotting Pleiospilos Simulans
Repotting Pleiospilos simulans is infrequent due to its slow growth and prefers being root-bound. Repot when severely root-bound or soil degradation impairs drainage. Best time is dormant period or early growing season, before new growth.
When repotting, carefully remove the plant, avoiding damage to the delicate taproot. Inspect roots for rot or damage, trimming affected areas. Use a pot only slightly larger, with drainage holes and fresh, gritty, well-draining succulent mix. Avoid planting too deeply; the plant top should be level with or slightly above the soil.
Propagating Pleiospilos Simulans
Propagating Pleiospilos simulans is primarily through seeds, as it rarely produces offsets for division. Sow seeds on the surface of a fine, well-draining sandy mix in early spring. Do not bury them, as they need light for germination.
After sowing, lightly mist the soil. Cover the tray with a clear plastic dome or wrap for humidity and warmth, placing it in indirect light at 21°C. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until germination (a few weeks). Once seedlings develop a few true leaves, carefully transplant them into individual pots.
Common Problems and Solutions
Overwatering
Overwatering is the primary problem for Pleiospilos simulans, leading to rot. Symptoms: mushy leaves, discoloration, plant collapse. If detected early, stop watering and move the plant to a drier, well-ventilated area. If rot has spread, the plant may not be salvageable.
Insufficient Light
Insufficient light causes Pleiospilos simulans to etiolate, resulting in stretched, pale, weak growth. Moving to a brighter location prevents further etiolation, but stretched growth is often irreversible. Ensure full sun to bright, indirect light to maintain its compact form.
Underwatering
While overwatering is more common, extreme underwatering can cause excessive leaf wrinkling or shriveling. This differs from the natural absorption of older leaves during new growth. If shriveled and leaves feel soft, careful, infrequent watering can rehydrate it. Monitor closely to avoid overcompensating.
Pests
Pleiospilos simulans is resistant to pests when healthy, but mealybugs can occur. They are small, white, cottony insects found in leaf crevices. Treat by dabbing visible mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol, dissolving their waxy coating. For widespread infestations, spray with a diluted alcohol solution, keeping the plant out of direct sunlight for a day.