Tacitus bellus, also known as the Chihuahua Flower or Ghost Plant, is a captivating succulent. It forms compact rosettes of fleshy leaves and produces striking star-shaped flowers in shades of deep pink to red. Its appearance and care make it a favored choice among succulent enthusiasts.
Understanding Tacitus Bellus
This succulent originates from western Mexico, found in mountainous regions near the border of Chihuahua and Sonora at altitudes around 4,800 feet. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family. The plant forms rosettes up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, with individual leaves that are glabrous and triangular, typically appearing in slate-grey, green, or bronze tones.
The Latin specific epithet “bellum” translates to “beautiful.” In late spring to early summer, Tacitus bellus produces showy, five-petaled, star-shaped flowers, often exceeding 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, on branched inflorescences that can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. Its compact growth habit and drought tolerance make it a popular selection for rock gardens, containers, or xeriscaping.
Growing Conditions and Care
Light Requirements
Tacitus bellus thrives in bright, indirect light or partial sun. While it can tolerate some direct sun, particularly in cooler climates, intense afternoon sun can scorch its leaves. Insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch and become leggy, a condition known as etiolation. If growing indoors, a south-facing window with some protection from harsh midday sun is suitable.
Watering Practices
Adopt a “soak and dry” watering method. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Overwatering is a common pitfall, leading to root rot, especially in humid conditions or during cooler months. During its dormant period in winter (October to March), watering should be significantly reduced, providing just enough moisture to prevent the leaves from shriveling.
Ideal Soil Mix
A well-draining succulent or cactus mix is suitable for Tacitus bellus. The soil should be gritty and porous to ensure proper drainage, yet still retain some moisture. Amending a standard potting mix with materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, typically at a 50% to 70% mineral grit ratio, enhances drainage and aeration. Good drainage helps prevent waterlogging and root issues.
Temperature and Humidity
Tacitus bellus prefers moderate temperatures during its active growing season. While it can tolerate mild frost for short periods if the soil is completely dry, it requires protection from freezing temperatures below 25°F (-4°C). For optimal flowering, the plant benefits from a cool winter rest period, ideally at temperatures around 50-59°F (10-15°C) for at least a month. It prefers low humidity, as excessive moisture in the air combined with cool temperatures can contribute to rot.
Fertilization
This succulent has minimal fertilization requirements. During its active growing season, typically in spring and summer, a balanced succulent fertilizer diluted to one-quarter to half strength can be applied once every 1 to 2 months. Fertilizing new or recently repotted plants is unnecessary for the first year. Avoid feeding the plant during its dormant winter period.
Propagating Tacitus Bellus
Propagating Tacitus bellus is straightforward. The most common methods involve using leaf cuttings or separating offsets. Any part of the plant that breaks off, such as a rosette or leaf, can root and form a new plant.
To propagate using leaf cuttings, carefully remove a healthy, full leaf from the main rosette by gently twisting it off. Allow the leaf to dry for a few days to a week until a callus forms over the cut end; this prevents rot when planted. Once callused, place the leaf on top of well-draining succulent soil, or slightly insert the callused end into the soil. Keep the soil lightly moist, and roots, followed by a tiny new rosette, should emerge from the callused end within several weeks. The new plant will draw nutrients from the original leaf until it shrivels and falls away.
Offsets, also known as pups, are small rosettes that naturally form at the base of the mature plant. These can be carefully separated from the mother plant using a clean, sharp knife. Ensure the offset has a few roots attached for the best chance of success. Allow the separated offset to callus for a day or two, then plant it in its own pot with appropriate succulent soil. Growing from seeds is also a viable option, though less common and slower than vegetative propagation methods.
Common Problems and Solutions
When cultivating Tacitus bellus, issues may arise from improper care. One common problem is root or stem rot, which results from overwatering and inadequate drainage. Symptoms include mushy stems or leaves and a foul odor. To address this, unpot the plant, trim away any soft, blackened, or diseased roots and stem sections with a sterile tool, then allow the healthy parts to dry and callus before repotting in fresh, well-draining soil. Improving soil drainage and adjusting watering habits are preventative measures.
Tacitus bellus can also be susceptible to common succulent pests, such as mealybugs and aphids. These small insects often hide in the tight crevices of the rosettes. Signs of infestation include sticky residue (honeydew), white cottony masses, or visible insects. Treating localized infestations can involve dabbing pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For more widespread issues, an insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil solution can be applied, ensuring thorough coverage, especially on undersides of leaves. Good air circulation can help deter pests, particularly mealybugs.
A lack of flowering can occur due to insufficient light exposure or the absence of a cool dormancy period during winter. Ensuring the plant receives adequate bright, indirect light and experiences a period of cooler temperatures (around 50-59°F or 10-15°C) for at least a month during winter can encourage bloom production in spring. If the plant appears stretched or “leggy” with elongated stems and widely spaced leaves, this is etiolation, indicating insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location will prevent further stretching, though existing stretched growth will not revert.