Glottiphyllum depressum

This bizarre South African native features pairs of very thick, tongue-shaped leaves that form stacks which angle away from the center of the plant, forming a ring of rich green that will flush to maroon with ample sun exposure. As its species name would suggest, Glottiphyllum pygmaeum will reach only a few inches tall and wide at maturity, with the oldest leaves towards the base of the plant beginning to shrivel as new pairs emerge each year. Dormant during both the height of summer and the depths of winter, this slow grower is relatively easy to care for, preferring a bit of neglect to coddling.

The brighter the sunlight to which it is exposed, the richer the coloration of Glottiphyllum pygmaeum – and the more likely it is to produce bright yellow, daisy-like blooms during the fall months! Having adapted to the harshly arid environments of its indigenous home, it is vital not to overwater this strangely beautiful plant, or risk predisposing it to rot, pests, or flabby growth. A thorough but infrequent watering routine, such as the ‘soak and dry’ method, will work well, and can be reduced even further during the plant’s periods of dormancy. An extremely porous soil mixture, coupled with a well-draining pot and ample airflow, will further shield this succulent from harm.

During the winter months, take care to protect Glottiphyllum pygmaeum from freezing temperatures, which can permanently mar its water-rich leaves.

Plant sizing is based on the diameter of the nursery pot (2", 2.5", 3", 4" etc), not the plant itself. Plants may be slightly larger or smaller than the pot they are grow in depending on availability or time of year. While we do our best to ship plants as similar to those pictured as possible, please keep in mind that all plants are unique from one to the next, and display color, shape, and growth variation based on current environment, time of year, and other contributing factors. Please note that we ship our plants as dry as possible in the fall and winter months to prevent root rot or freezing. They will plump back up after planting!