Lenophyllum guttatum: characteristics of the succulent and care

If you like succulents, you have surely heard of Lenophyllum Guttatum. It is a collectible succulent, since, although it is easy to find, the variety that attracts the most attention is the variegata.

But what is Lenophyllum Guttatum like? What care does it need? In this article we are going to explain everything you need to know about this variety of succulent. Shall we start?

What is Lenophyllum Guttatum like?

Lenophyllum Guttatum is a curious succulent. And, first of all, we must tell you that it is classified as herbaceous. Originally from Mexico, in its natural habitat it grows in rock crevices, and is very, very small.

But the most characteristic thing about this plant is, without a doubt, the color of the leaves. You will see, The "normal" plant is silver or greenish gray with red specks.. The leaves also have a peculiar shape because they make a small valley in them.

But, in its variegated version, the colors change and are then cream-colored (lighter or darker) with much larger specks of red (sometimes even the entire leaf).

The truth is that the plant is practically just leaves. Because the stem is barely going to reach 6 centimeters in height. It is from that stem (the only one that comes out) that the leaves will come from.

If you are lucky, and we already told you that it is very easy to achieve this with succulents, you will see it bloom. When that happens, it usually produces a floral rod from which several inflorescences with very small, but very pretty flowers emerge in a cluster. They are yellow. In addition, they last a long time, we are talking about more than two weeks.

Care of Lenophyllum Guttatum

Now that you have met Lenophyllum Guttatum, would you like to have it? If you've seen the photos, you'll know it's peculiar because it doesn't look like many other succulents. But, just because it's collectible (which doesn't mean it's expensive), does it mean it's difficult to care for? The truth is that no, because it has many peculiarities of other succulents.

As a guide we leave you here the most important things.

Location and temperature

As we have told you before, The natural habitat of Lenophyllum Guttatum was among rocks. This implies that it is not one of the succulents that requires full sun all day long. In reality, it only needs direct sun in the early morning and late afternoon; That will be more than enough.

In fact, you will notice that the plant needs more sun if the stems are etiolated. That is, if the stem grows more than normal and in the direction of sunlight. You have to make sure that this does not happen (because it can spoil the appearance of the plant), but fortunately it can always be solved.

Another point to keep in mind is that it is a bit delicate in terms of temperatures. On the one hand, it withstands heat perfectly, even with temperatures close to forty degrees.

But with respect to the cold things change.. The normal thing is that, when it drops below five degrees, it begins to take its toll on the health of the Lenophyllum Guttatum. Therefore, you have to be careful and, if the temperature drops a lot in winter, it is best not to water it and protect it.

Substratum

As for the land, It must be taken into account that Lenophyllum Guttatum is a plant that puts down very few roots. So you must take good care of it so that it does not weaken (or you will be left without the plant).

We recommend that you put it in a mixture of organic matter and coarse sand. This will be perfect for this plant. Of course, make sure it is well disinfected so that it does not suffer from pests or diseases (yes, it is also delicate in that aspect).

Irrigation

Irrigation is one of the most important points that you must take into account with the plant. And it is very susceptible to excess water (which, as we told you, could rot the roots of the plant). But also at high humidity. So be careful with these two aspects.

Therefore, when watering it is more advisable to water very little amount even if you have to do it more times. This way you make sure it has water but not enough to rot.

Plagues and diseases

Another point where you should be more careful is regarding pests and diseases. As we told you before, it is a delicate plant in this aspect.

Focusing on pests, the most common ones to suffer have to do with snails and other mollusks, since they are very attracted to their leaves and devour them. (some even in a matter of hours). Another pest to control are mealybugs, which will cause the leaves to fall, but will also encourage the appearance of fungi on the leaves, as well as on the stems and roots.

To treat it, there is nothing better than some treatment to clean the scale insects and mollusks and prevent them from getting close to it again.

Regarding diseases, the most important is excess water, which will cause the roots to rot and kill the plant. The fungi in the soil can also harm it.

Multiplication

Finally, the issue of reproduction can be done easily as with other succulents.

That is, you can reproduce it through the leaves or by separating offspring.

Propagation by leaves is not easy, but it can be achieved. You just have to put the leaves in perlite with some water and let time pass. They will create a kind of rosettes and, when it starts to grow, you will see roots coming out of the leaf. At that moment you can cover it a little with the perlite and let it continue its course. And only when you see that the stem emerges and it already has a somewhat larger root system, could you transfer it to the ground.

Of course, we talk about perlite with a little water (moistened), but it is not advisable for it to be soaked in water.

In the case of separating offspring, it is normal for them to be larger and stronger when they are separated so that they adapt to a pot alone.

There is no doubt that Lenophyllum Guttatum is a diverse succulent because of the leaves it grows. But if you can also get the variegata variety you will realize that it is even more beautiful. Have you ever seen it in stores? Can you give us any more advice that you know for this variety?