Trichodiadema Densum

2-3 Litre Pot

• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well drained
• Growth Rate: Average
• Flowering Period: Summer
• Hardiness: H1C
• Eventual Height: up to 10cm
• Eventual Spread: 0.1 – 0.5m

Trichodiadema Densum, also known as the “Desert Rose” and is a holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit.  It is a small, dense mat forming perennial characterised by its fleshy, cylindrical leaves covered in fine white hairs. At the tips of these leaves, there are small hair-like structures resembling bristles, giving the plant its “thick crown” (Trichodiadema) appearance.

It can be grown indoors as a houseplant or in a greenhouse due to its need for a warm, dry environment. It thrives in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight and minimal water, making it ideal for sunny windowsills or conservatories. In Summer, this plant produces small, daisy-like flowers, usually in shades of pink, purple, or magenta, adding a splash of colour to any indoor space.

While it is not frost-tolerant, it can be grown outdoors during the Summer months, provided it is brought indoors before the temperatures drop in Autumn. Regular pruning can help maintain its compact shape, making it an attractive choice for those looking to create a bonsai-like effect.

Overall, Trichodiadema Densum is a low-maintenance succulent that can adapt well to indoor cultivation, with proper care.

How to care for your Trichodiadema Densum

• Sunlight: Thrives in bright, direct sunlight. Place it on a sunny windowsill, ideally south or west-facing, where it can receive several hours of sunlight each day. If grown outdoors in Summer, ensure it gets plenty of light, but gradually acclimatise it to avoid sunburn.
• Warmth: This plant prefers warm conditions. It is not frost-tolerant, so if you have it outdoors during the Summer, be sure to bring it indoors before temperatures drop.
• Drought Tolerant: As a succulent, it stores water in its leaves and is drought-tolerant. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In Summer, water approximately once every two weeks, depending on conditions. In Winter, reduce watering to once a month or less, as the plant enters dormancy.
• Overwatering Warning: Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Always ensure excess water can drain away to prevent water logging.
• Well-Draining Mix: Use a cactus or succulent potting mix, or create your own by mixing regular potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage. The soil should dry out quickly after watering.
• Repotting: Repot your plant every couple of years in fresh soil to replenish nutrients and ensure adequate drainage.
• Low Humidity: Prefers a dry environment with low humidity. Avoid placing it in humid rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. If growing in a greenhouse or conservatory, ensure good air circulation.
• Minimal Fertiliser: Fertilise sparingly during the growing season (Spring and Summer) with a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser or one specifically designed for succulents. Once a month is sufficient. Do not fertilise in the winter.
• Pruning: Regularly prune to maintain its compact shape, especially if you are training it as a bonsai. Remove any dead or leggy growth to encourage a dense, bushy form.
• Blooms: With proper care, it may reward you with small, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or magenta. These typically bloom during the warmer months when the plant receives plenty of sunlight.

By providing the right conditions and care, Trichodiadema Densum can thrive indoors, adding a unique and exotic touch to your home or greenhouse.