Split Rock Succulent Care

Habitat

• Split rock is a stemless succulent native to the semi-arid part of South Africa where winter rain is rare. Most of the rain, only 5 to 12 inches a year, falls in summer. Split rock does most of its growing in winter, producing a matched set of new, rounded, gray-green leaves and storing energy to flower in early spring. It is sensitive to frost.

Light

• Grow split rock on a sunny windowsill with a southern or western exposure. You also can grow split rock in a greenhouse or under fluorescent lights. In summer move the pot outdoors into a sheltered spot where it will get full sun. Bring it back indoors when nighttime temperatures begin to dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Soil

• Soil with fast drainage is essential for success with split rock. You can use a commercial cactus mix or make your own mix by blending 1 part peat moss, 1 part potting soil and 2 parts coarse sand or grit. Split rock needs a container at least 5 inches deep, because it has a long taproot. It doesn’t thrive in a small pot the way other succulents do.

Water

• Split rock needs little water, but when you do water it, soak the soil completely, then let it dry for about three weeks before watering again. In winter, when the plant produces new leaves, it uses the moisture from the old leaves to create new ones. The old leaves get brown spots on them, leading some owners to fear fungal infection. But the spots are the natural result of moisture loss. If the old leaves hang on into summer, you may be overwatering the plant.

Flowering

• Split rock blooms in early spring. It produces daisylike flowers of yellow, gold or orange with white centers. They are said to have a coconut fragrance. It blooms best when the clumps are crowded, so don’t be in a hurry to divide the plant. If the plant is kept too dry in winter, it won’t bloom reliably. No fertilizer is needed, but if growth is slow, you can give it a low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks.