Plants

Coryphantha elephantidens cv. Tanshi Zougemaru inermis is a rare, spineless cultivar of Coryphantha elephantidens, originally native to central Mexico, especially in Jalisco and surrounding regions. This particular cultivar is known for its smooth, rounded, and highly symmetrical tubercles (bumps) that give it a sculpted, almost “puffy” appearance.

Unlike the typical species, the inermis form lacks spines, making it especially attractive to collectors. It may produce large, showy pink to magenta flowers in summer. It prefers full sun to light shade, well-draining soil, and minimal watering.

Coryphantha elephantidens inermis is a unique, spineless cactus variety with distinct, fleshy tubercles on its surface. It forms a compact, globular shape and produces beautiful, creamy white to pale yellow flowers. This low-maintenance cactus is perfect for dry, sunny environments and is an ideal addition to rock gardens or cactus collections.

Crassula ovata, commonly known as the Jade Plant, is a popular succulent native to South Africa. It has thick, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are usually green but can develop a reddish tinge at the edges when exposed to sunlight. This hardy plant is known for its resilience and can grow as a small shrub or small tree. It blooms with small, star-shaped white or pink flowers in late winter or early spring. Crassula ovata is often kept as an ornamental houseplant and is associated with good luck and prosperity in some cultures.

Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’, commonly known as the Gollum Jade, is a unique succulent with distinctive tubular, finger-like leaves tipped with red in bright sunlight. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, it makes an excellent choice for pots, rock gardens, or bonsai collections. A fascinating and low-maintenance plant for any succulent enthusiast.

Echeveria ‘Malgan Black Swan’

A striking collector’s Echeveria prized for its beautifully shaped rosette and dramatic colouring. Its thick, pointed leaves develop attractive shades of grey-green, mauve, deep purple and burgundy, with the colours becoming richer under bright light and cooler conditions. The powdery coating on the leaves gives the plant an elegant, almost frosted appearance.

Care: Grow in bright light with some morning sun for the best colour and compact growth. Plant in a very well-draining succulent mix and water thoroughly only once the soil has dried. Protect from prolonged heavy rain and extreme afternoon heat.

Interesting fact: The dramatic dark colouring can change considerably throughout the year, making every season slightly different.

A beautiful and unusual must-have for Echeveria and rare succulent collectors.

Echeveria ‘Malgan Red Swan’

A spectacular collector’s Echeveria with beautifully sculpted, ruffled and twisted foliage. Its fleshy leaves develop attractive shades of green, pink and rich red, with the strongest colours generally appearing under bright light and cooler growing conditions. Mature plants form dramatic rosettes that make an excellent feature in any succulent collection.

🌱 Care: Provide plenty of bright light or gentle morning sun to encourage strong colour and compact growth. Use a fast-draining succulent mix. Water thoroughly and then allow the growing medium to dry before watering again. Protect from prolonged wet conditions and severe frost.

✨ Interesting fact: ‘Red Swan’ is particularly valued for the combination of its unusual curled leaf shape and changing coloration. Each rosette can develop its own distinctive appearance as it matures.

⭐ A must-have for Echeveria collectors looking for something colourful, sculptural and unusual.

Echeveria setosa ‘Dementia’ Crested

A rare and unusual crested Echeveria prized for its fascinating growth habit. Instead of forming a single normal rosette, the crested (fasciated) growing point spreads into a fan-like formation, producing masses of tightly packed, textured leaves. The fine hairs typical of Echeveria setosa add even more character to this distinctive collector’s plant.

🌱 Care: Provide bright light with gentle morning sun for compact growth. Use a very well-draining succulent mix. Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry before watering again. Avoid water remaining trapped in the dense crest, as this can encourage rot.

✨ Interesting fact: Cresting occurs when the normal growing point becomes elongated rather than developing from a single point. This creates the unusual wavy, fan-shaped growth that makes every specimen unique.

⭐ A must-have for collectors of crested and unusual Echeverias.

Euphorbia neurobella (Red Monadenium)

A striking and unusual succulent, Euphorbia neurobella is admired for its thick, sculptural stems and rich reddish tones that intensify in bright light. Its knobbly, textured surface gives it a bold, almost otherworldly appearance, making it a standout piece in any collection. During its growing season, it produces small, delicate flowers that add subtle charm to its rugged form.

Perfect for collectors looking for something different, this plant thrives in warm, bright conditions with well-draining soil and light watering.

Interesting fact:
Euphorbia neurobella was once classified under the genus Monadenium, which is why it’s still commonly known as “Red Monadenium” among collectors.

A Euphorbia parvimedusae hybrid is a cultivated succulent variety developed by crossing Euphorbia parvimedusae—a rare and unusual species from South Africa—with another Euphorbia species, often to enhance certain traits such as size, growth habit, or ease of cultivation. These hybrids typically retain the unique, medusoid appearance of the parent species, characterized by a central caudex (swollen stem base) from which numerous cylindrical arms or branches radiate, resembling a sea anemone or the mythological head of Medusa.

Depending on the hybrid cross, the plant may show variations in:

• Branch density – more compact or sprawling arms

• Caudex shape – larger, more prominent, or more textured

• Color – shades of green, grey-green, or even reddish tones

• Spines – some hybrids may have more or fewer spines

Like most Euphorbias, these hybrids exude a white, toxic latex when damaged and should be handled with care. They prefer well-draining soil, minimal watering, and bright light—making them excellent candidates for collectors or enthusiasts interested in rare succulents.

Gasteria Batesiana, a striking succulent native to the rocky terrains of South Africa, is a must-have for any plant enthusiast. With its thick, glossy, dark green leaves adorned with pale white spots, it adds a touch of the exotic to any collection. This hardy plant thrives in well-draining soil and enjoys bright, indirect light. Minimal watering is required, making it perfect for low-maintenance care. Its unique appearance and resilience make Gasteria Batesiana a captivating addition to both indoor and outdoor gardens.

Gasteria lilliputana is a tiny, yet striking succulent native to South Africa. This miniature plant features thick, fleshy leaves that form a dense rosette, with dark green to greyish-green coloring and distinctive white markings or spots. The leaves are rough to the touch, giving it a unique texture that stands out in succulent collections. In late winter or early spring, it produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink or red, adding a pop of color to its compact form. Interesting fact: Despite its small size, Gasteria lilliputana is extremely hardy and can tolerate drought and neglect, making it an ideal choice for beginner succulent growers. Its slow-growing nature also means it requires minimal maintenance and thrives in bright, indirect light.

Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is a small, globular cactus species native to the semi-arid regions of Paraguay and parts of northern Argentina. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is part of a genus known for its relatively easy care, compact size, and attractive flowers.

This species typically grows to about 5–6 cm in height and 4–5 cm in diameter. It has a flattened, spherical body with 8–14 broad ribs and a grayish-green to dark green color. The stem is often slightly wrinkled and marked by low tubercles. It bears short, slightly curved spines that vary in number but are generally not aggressive, making the plant user-friendly for handling.

Flowers appear from the crown of the plant during late spring to summer. They are funnel-shaped and range in color from pale pink to light purple, occasionally white. The blooms are relatively large compared to the size of the plant and open during the day.

This species prefers well-draining cactus soil, moderate watering (allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings), and bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun in hot climates can cause sunburn on the plant’s surface. It tolerates mild cold but should be protected from frost.

In cultivation, Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is often the parent of colorful grafted hybrids like the “Moon Cactus” (var. friedrichii), which lacks chlorophyll and must be grafted onto a host plant to survive.