All You need to know about Pleiospilos nelii ‘Royal flush’

Pleiospilos nelii, also known as the “Royal Flush” or “Split Rock” plant, is a succulent native to South Africa. It is a slow-growing plant that requires minimal care, making it a great choice for beginners.

How to grow and take care of Pleiospilos nelii royal flush?

Here are some tips on how to grow and take care of Pleiospilos nelii royal flush:

1. Light: Pleiospilos nelii royal flush requires bright, direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. If you are growing it indoors, place it near a south-facing window or under grow lights.
2. Water: Watering should be done sparingly, as overwatering can cause root rot. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering. During the growing season (spring and summer), water once a week. During the dormant season (fall and winter), water only once every two to three weeks.
3. Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix for succulents and cacti. You can also add perlite or coarse sand to the soil to improve drainage.
4. Temperature: Pleiospilos nelii royal flush prefers temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). It can tolerate lower temperatures, but not below 50°F (10°C).
5. Fertilizer: Feed the plant with a succulent or cactus fertilizer during the growing season, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Repotting: Repot the plant every two to three years or when it outgrows its container. Use a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one and with drainage holes.
7. Propagation: Propagate Pleiospilos nelii royal flush by taking stem or leaf cuttings during the growing season. Allow the cuttings to dry for a day or two before planting them in well-draining soil.

With these tips, you can grow and take care of your Pleiospilos nelii royal flush plant successfully.

What is the lifespan of Pleiospilos nelii royal flush?

Pleiospilos nelii, also known as the Royal Flush or Split Rock plant, has a lifespan of several decades under ideal growing conditions. With proper care, the plant can live for up to 30-40 years or more.

However, its growth rate is slow, and it may take several years for the plant to reach maturity and begin to produce flowers. The lifespan of the plant can also depend on various factors such as environmental conditions, disease or pest infestations, and the care it receives. Overall, with the right care and attention, the Pleiospilos nelii royal flush can be a long-lived and rewarding addition to any succulent collection.

How to water it?

Watering Pleiospilos nelii royal flush requires a careful balance to avoid overwatering or underwatering. Here are some tips on how to water your plant properly:

1. Watering frequency: Water your Pleiospilos nelii royal flush sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During the growing season (spring and summer), water once a week. During the dormant season (fall and winter), water only once every two to three weeks.
2. Watering method: Water the soil directly and avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to rot. Use a watering can or a small cup to pour water gently around the base of the plant, avoiding the center where the leaves meet.
3. Soil moisture: Check the soil moisture level by inserting a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels moist, wait a few more days before checking again.
4. Drainage: Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes, allowing excess water to drain out of the soil. This prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.
5. Water quality: Use room temperature tap water or rainwater for watering, as cold water can shock the roots. Avoid using soft water or water that has been treated with a water softener, as this can contain high levels of salt that can harm the plant.

By following these watering tips, you can keep your Pleiospilos nelii royal flush healthy and thriving.

How to prune it?

Pleiospilos nelii royal flush is a slow-growing succulent plant that generally does not require frequent pruning. However, pruning may be necessary to remove dead or damaged leaves or to control the size and shape of the plant. Here are some tips on how to prune Pleiospilos nelii royal flush:

1. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
2. Start by identifying any dead, dried out, or damaged leaves. These leaves can be carefully trimmed back to the base of the plant, using a clean and sharp tool.
3. If you want to control the size or shape of the plant, you can selectively prune the leaves. For example, if a leaf is growing in an unwanted direction or is blocking sunlight from reaching other leaves, it can be pruned back to the base of the plant.
4. Avoid cutting into the healthy, living tissue of the plant, as this can lead to damage or infection.
5. After pruning, allow the plant to rest for a few days to recover before watering.

Remember that Pleiospilos nelii royal flush is a slow-growing plant, and any pruning should be done sparingly to avoid damaging the plant’s growth. Additionally, pruning should be done during the plant’s active growing season, which is typically in the spring and summer.

How big does Pleiospilos nelii royal flush grow?

Pleiospilos nelii royal flush is a small succulent plant that typically grows to a height of 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) and a width of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm). The plant forms a compact, rounded rosette of two to four pairs of thick, fleshy leaves with a cleft down the center.

The leaves are green to gray-green in color, with reddish-brown margins and covered in small white dots. In the center of the rosette, the plant produces a single, large flower that can reach up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. The flowers are daisy-like and range in color from yellow to orange to pink. Pleiospilos nelii royal flush is a slow-growing plant, and it may take several years for it to reach its full size and produce flowers.

Which soil is the best for growing it?

Pleiospilos nelii royal flush requires a well-draining soil mix that mimics the rocky and sandy soil of its natural habitat. Here are some guidelines for choosing the best soil mix for growing Pleiospilos nelii royal flush:

1. Use a commercial cactus or succulent potting mix that is formulated to drain quickly and is low in organic matter.
2. Mix the potting soil with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to improve drainage and promote aeration. A good ratio is 50% potting soil and 50% coarse sand, perlite, or pumice.
3. Alternatively, you can make your own soil mix by combining equal parts of sand, perlite, and potting soil.
4. Avoid using heavy or compacted soils, which can hold too much moisture and lead to root rot.
5. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and does not retain water for long periods.

When repotting, it is important to use a container that has drainage holes to allow excess water to drain out. Additionally, avoid over-watering the plant, as this can lead to root rot. By using a well-draining soil mix and watering appropriately, you can help ensure that your Pleiospilos nelii royal flush stays healthy and thrives.

Where can I buy it?

Pleiospilos nelii royal flush is a popular succulent plant and can often be found at local nurseries, garden centers, or plant shops that specialize in succulent plants. You can also buy Pleiospilos nelii royal flush online from various plant retailers, including Etsy, Amazon, and specialized online plant stores. It’s essential to ensure that the plant is shipped safely and has a good reputation for quality. Be sure to read the reviews and check the seller’s return policy before making a purchase. Some online plant shops that sell Pleiospilos nelii royal flush include Mountain Crest Gardens, Leaf and Clay, and Succulent Market.

Summary

• Pleiospilos nelii royal flush is a small, slow-growing succulent plant that prefers well-draining soil and bright sunlight.
• Watering should be done sparingly and only when the soil has completely dried out.
• Pleiospilos nelii royal flush does not require frequent pruning, but any pruning should be done during the active growing season.
• A well-draining soil mix that is low in organic matter is ideal for growing Pleiospilos nelii royal flush.
• Pleiospilos nelii royal flush can be found at local nurseries, garden centers, or plant shops, as well as online plant retailers. Be sure to purchase from a reputable seller and ensure that the plant is shipped safely.

Have a nice day!