Argyroderma Delaetii "Smurf Bums"

📋 Quick Facts

Native Habitat

Native to South Africa (Knersvlakte, Little Namaqualand), where it grows in rocky quartz fields.

Family

[Aizoaceae (ice plant family)](/posts/ice-plant)

Water

Low water requirements; prefers infrequent watering. Water minimally in summer, only when the plant starts shriveling.

Sunlight

Requires full sun to partial shade.

Soil

Well-draining soil mix, preferably sandy or gritty.

Recommended temperature zone

USDA: 10b-12

Why it is called Argyroderma delaetii?

Argyroderma delaetii derives its name from the Greek words "argyro", meaning silver, and "derma", meaning skin, in reference to the silvery sheen on its skin.

It also goes by nicknames like "Smurf Bums" and "Baby's Bottoms".

The Appearance of Argyroderma delaetii

Leaves

Argyroderma delaetii is a succulent plant characterized by pairs of thick, fleshy leaves that form a compact, flattened, or slightly spherical shape. The leaves have a silvery-green or bluish-green hue and are covered in tiny, glistening, wart-like structures, giving them a unique texture and appearance.

During the growth of new leaves in Argyroderma, it relies on extracting moisture from the older leaves, causing them to wrinkle.As for the small internal growth, there doesn't seem to be any observable progression or change in its development.

Source

Flowers

During the blooming season, usually in late summer to early fall, Argyroderma delaetii may produce daisy-like flowers in various shades of pink, white, or yellow. These flowers emerge from the center of the plant and add to its ornamental value.

How to Care for Argyroderma delaetii

Light

Provide Argyroderma delaetii with plenty of sunlight, preferably full sun to partial shade. It thrives in bright, direct light conditions.

Watering

Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to avoid excessive moisture.

Soil

Use a well-draining soil mix, such as cactus or succulent potting mix, with good aeration to prevent waterlogging.

Temperature

Argyroderma delaetii prefers warm temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Protect it from temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Humidity

This plant thrives in low humidity environments typical of its native arid regions.

Fertilizing

Feed sparingly with a diluted succulent fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to support healthy growth.

Pruning

Minimal pruning is needed. Remove dried or dead leaves as needed to maintain its appearance.

Repotting

Repot infrequently, typically every few years, using a slightly larger pot when the plant outgrows its current container.

Dormancy

During winter, Argyroderma delaetii may enter a dormant phase, during which it requires less water and minimal feeding.

Pests and Diseases

It's generally resistant to pests and diseases but may occasionally attract mealybugs or suffer from root rot due to overwatering.

Need tools for succulent propagation and repotting? Here are my go-to tools: mini tool set (including syringe 💉, gloves 🧤, tweezers 🪤, dust blower 💨, tiny shovels 🛠️) and well-draining mix 🌱.

Is Argyroderma delaetii Toxic to Pets?

Argyroderma delaetii is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe option to have around animals.

How to Propagate Argyroderma delaetii

Propagate through seeds or by carefully separating offsets that grow around the base of the plant. Allow separated offsets to callus before planting them in a well-draining potting mix.

Where Can I Buy Argyroderma delaetii?

You can find Argyroderma delaetii at specialized nurseries, succulent plant shops, or online stores that sell a variety of succulents.

Planet Desert sometimes offers live Argyroderma delaetii plants for sale.