MantisPlants

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 Tecta is a compact, slow-growing succulent admired for its thick, triangular leaves covered in a silvery-grey, textured coating. Its sculptural appearance makes it a standout in any succulent collection. This hardy plant prefers bright light and well-drained soil, making it ideal for containers, rock gardens, and dry landscapes.

Crassula ovata, algemeen bekend as die Jadeplant of Geldboom, is ’n gewilde vetplant wat inheems is aan Suid-Afrika en Mosambiek. Dit het dik, vleisige, ovaalvormige groen blare en ’n houtagtige stingel, en groei dikwels tot ’n klein struik of boom. Die plant produseer klein, stervormige wit of pienk blomme in die winter of vroeë lente.

Crassula ovata floreer in helder lig, goed dreinerende grond en benodig matige water—die grond moet tussen waterings droog word. Dit is maklik om binnenshuis of buite in gematigde klimate te kweek en word geglo om voorspoed en geluk te bring.

Euphorbia abdelkuri is a rare and highly collectible succulent admired for its smooth grey-blue stems and unusual sculptural growth. This slow-growing species develops upright branching stems covered in a waxy coating that protects it from harsh sunlight and extreme drought. Its almost otherworldly appearance makes it a standout specimen in succulent and Euphorbia collections. It prefers warm temperatures, bright indirect light to full sun, and very well-draining soil.

Interesting Fact:
The pale ghostly colour of Euphorbia abdelkuri is caused by a protective wax layer that helps reflect intense desert sunlight and reduce water loss in its natural habitat.

Original Habitat:
Native to Abd al Kuri Island, part of the Socotra archipelago near Yemen, where it grows in extremely dry, rocky desert conditions.

Afrikaans

Description: Euphorbia Abdulkuri is a rare and highly collectible succulent known for its smooth, pencil-like stems and unusual grey-green colour. Its sculptural form and drought tolerance make it a striking feature plant for succulent collections and modern displays.

Origin: Native to Abd al Kuri Island near Yemen, where it grows in harsh, rocky desert conditions.

Care:

• Light: Bright light to full sun
• Water: Water sparingly and allow soil to dry completely between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: Protect from frost and cold temperatures
• Growth: Slow-growing and ideal for pots and collector displays

Note: Like most Euphorbias, the sap can irritate skin and eyes if handled carelessly.

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.

Euphorbia parvimedusae is sonder twyfel een van die mees opwindende nuwe ontdekkings van die afgelope paar jaar. Dit het op sigself groot ornamentele waarde—maar daar is meer. Hierdie spesie kan ’n sleutelrol speel in die toekomstige teel van struikagtige en stekelrige euphorbias. Net soos E. tulearensis ’n belangrike rol gespeel het in die teel van E. francoisii, kan Euphorbia parvimedusae alle struikagtige Euphorbia-spesies deur hibridisering kompakter en dwergagtig maak. Hierdie proses ontbloot ook soms verborge gene van elke spesie, wat soms tot verrassende resultate lei.

Euphorbia suzannae is a distinctive succulent belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. Native to the Cape region of South Africa, it grows as a small, rounded plant with fleshy green stems that may develop reddish tones in bright sunlight. It typically reaches up to 30 cm tall and produces clusters of tiny lance-shaped leaves at the tips of its stems, creating a charming contrast against its thick body. In favorable conditions, it may produce small yellow-green flowers.

This species thrives in well-draining soil, requires moderate watering (allow soil to dry between waterings), and should be protected from frost. Like many Euphorbias, it contains toxic latex sap, so handle with care and keep away from pets and children. Its compact size and resilience make it an excellent choice for collectors and drought-tolerant gardens

Gasteria ellaphieae is ’n kompakte, stadig-groeiende vetplant wat inheems is aan Suid-Afrika, spesifiek die Oos-Kaap. Dit behoort aan die Asphodelaceae-familie en is vernoem na die bekende plantillustreerder Ellaphie Ward-Hilhorst. Die plant word gekenmerk deur sy digte, vlesige blare wat in ’n waaierpatroon (distig) gerangskik is. Die blare is donkergroen met ligte of wit kolle, en volwasse plante dra buisvormige pienk-rooi blommetjies op dun stingels in die laat winter tot lente. Gasteria ellaphieae verkies helder, indirekte lig en goed dreinerende grond. Dit is droogtebestand en moet slegs natgemaak word wanneer die grond heeltemal droog is. Hierdie spesie is ideaal vir potte of rotstuine, maar moet beskerm word teen ryp en oormatige vog. Voortplanting geskied maklik via blaarstekke of sytakke (uitlopers).