Gibbaeum heathii is a dwarf succulent plant forming a compact clump or mat, mostly growing above the ground, rarely sunken partially, leaves formed all over the plant. This is one of the most sought after species. It is extremely variable in form and flower and several differing form are known. outh African endemic. Provincial distribution Western Cape (District Ladismith, Montagu, Swellendam) It grows in flat, stony arid area on loamy soil with variable proportions of quartzite pebbles. Soil: It grows best in sandy-gritty soil and requires good drainage as it is prone to root rot. It can grows outdoor in sunny, dry, rock crevices (protection against winter wet is required) It can also be cultivated in alpine house, in poor, drained soil.Fertilization: Feed it once during the growing season with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cactus and succulents (poor in nitrogen), including all micro nutrients and trace elements diluted to � the strength recommended on the label. It thrives in poor soils and need a limited supplies of fertilizer to avoid the plants developing excess vegetation, which is easily attacked by fungal diseases.Watering: The Gibbaeums thrive in dry and desert regions and are able to stand extended periods of drought and require careful watering. Water minimally in summer, only when the plant starts shrivelling, water more abundantly when they are growing in the autumn and spring, but let the soil dry between soaking. Requires little water otherwise its epidermis breaks (resulting in unsightly scars). If grown in a container, bottom watering by immersing the container is recommended. It must have very dry atmosphere.Light: It needs a bright sunny or light shade exposure in winter, but keep cool and shaded in summer.Hardiness: It prefer a very bright situation and require a minimum temperature 5�C (But will take a light frost and is hardy down to -7� C for short periods if it is in dry soil). USDA zones 9A-11.Uses: Container, rock garden.Pests and diseases: It is vulnerable to mealybugs and rarely scale.Propagation: Seed in autumn or (or rarely) cuttings. Take the cutting from a grown-up mother plant. Each cutting must contain one or more heads along with a fraction of root and permit to dry out a couple of days, lay it on the soil and insert the stem end partially into the soil. Try to keep the cutting somewhat upright so that the roots are able to grow downward. It is relatively difficult to root Gibbaeums from cuttings and generally pointless as well, so quick are they from seed. Contains 5 seeds.
