Growing Pleiospilos Nelii Royal Flush

Sun Exposure

• “Royal Flush” split rock is a South African native that can grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9b through 10b. Plant it in fast-draining sandy or gravelly soil. It grows well in bright shade beneath trees, partial shade or full sun. Below USDA zone 9b, you can grow it as a houseplant although it can be placed outdoors in the summer. Set it right next to or in front of an east-, west- or south-facing window.

Water

• “Royal Flush” split rock should be watered every two to three weeks in spring and summer. Let the soil around a split rock in the garden become completely dry then give it 2 to 3 gallons of water. Pour the water over the soil for a container-grown split rock until it drains from the bottom. Increase the frequency to once per week during late summer and early fall. From midfall through winter, water it only once every four to six weeks. It will rot if it is watered too often in the winter. You don't need to fertilize this plant.

Re-potting

• A container-grown “Royal Flush” should be re-potted in early spring only when it is pot-bound. The plant will have multiplied and the "rocks" will fill the pot. The roots will fill the container when the plant is pot-bound and may grow from the drain holes in the bottom. Re-pot it into a container that is 5 inches deep or deeper to accommodate its long taproot. The new container should be no more than 1 inch wider. Use a potting mix that is 1 part sphagnum peat moss, 1 part potting soil and 2 parts washed course sand. Add a handful of small pebbles to the mix to improve drainage.

Propagation

• New “Royal Flush” split rocks can be propagated by simply dividing them. Do not divide them too frequently, though. They bloom better when they are crowded. Divide them in early spring. Dig garden plants up with a shovel. Push the shovel all the way into the soil before lifting the plant to avoid damaging the taproot. Lift container-grown split rocks by placing the container on its side and carefully sliding the plant and soil out. Work the clumps apart gently by hand, making sure there is a healthy root system for each clump. Replant them in smaller containers or elsewhere in the garden.