Propagate split rock from seed. Soak the seed, sow it on sand, barely covered, and keep the mix barely moist until seedlings show. You can also divide a clustered plant so each piece keeps a taproot.
Soak the seed, then sow it on sand, barely covered
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | Warm months, from dry, ripe seed | Do not sow into a soggy, packed mix |
| Mix | Sandy cactus mix or washed sand that sheds water | Do not bury the seed under a thick layer of soil |
| Cover | A dusting of fine sand about 1 mm deep | Do not wash the seed away with a heavy spray |
| Water | Keep the surface barely moist until seedlings show, then let it dry a little | Do not keep the pot wet after the first true bodies form |
split rock grows readily from seed. Soak the seed in lukewarm water for 12 to 24 hours so the hard coat softens. Scatter it on a sandy mix, and cover it with about 1 mm of fine sand. Keep the surface barely moist with a fine mist until seedlings show in about a week, then ease off so the top dries between waterings. [1] Move the young plants when they are about 10 mm tall. [2] Sun and later watering stay on How to Grow Split Rock.
- Soak the seed in lukewarm water for 12 to 24 hours.
- Fill a deep small pot with free-draining cactus mix plus extra sand. Water it and let it drain.
- Scatter the seed on the surface. Cover it with about 1 mm of fine sand.
- Mist gently so the seed stays in place. Keep the pot warm, about 66 to 75 F, and bright, out of harsh midday sun. Once seedlings show, let the top of the mix dry a little between waterings. Transplant when the plants are about 10 mm tall.
When do I sow split rock?
In warm weather, from dry seed. Soak it first, scatter it on sand, barely covered, and keep the surface barely moist until seedlings show.
How to divide a clustered split rock
Wait until a plant has more than one head. Each head is a pair of leaves. Cut through the roots so every piece keeps a taproot, then pot each piece in grit deep enough for that root. [3] Division and seed are the usual starts. [4] Do not split a single head in half. Let a cut dry if the wound is wet, then wait a week or two before you water. Crowded clumps bloom well, so do not divide a plant every year.
- Lift a clustered plant after the old leaves have shrunk.
- Cut through the roots so each head keeps a taproot.
- Pot each piece in a deep small pot of dry, gritty cactus mix. Keep the spotted body sitting above the grit.
- Wait at least a week before you water, then soak once and let the mix dry.
When do I divide split rock?
After a plant has more than one head, and after the old leaves have shrunk. Give each piece a taproot, and wait before you water.
If seedlings collapse, sow thinner, use a finer mist, and let the top of the mix dry a little once they show.
FAQ
Can I root a single leaf?
Seed or a whole head with a taproot is the usual start. A single fleshy leaf without a root is a poor bet.
Will seed match the parent?
Species seed comes close. If you want the same plant you already like, divide a clustered plant.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] PlantZAfrica -
https://pza.sanbi.org/pleiospilos-nelii - [2] Nurseries Online -
https://www.nurseriesonline.com/cactus-and-succulents/pleiospilos-nelii/ - [3] Royal Horticultural Society -
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/131621/pleiospilos-nelii/details - [4] Llifle -
https://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/SUCCULENTS/Family/Aizoaceae/14724/Pleiospilos_nelii
This note is part of Pleiospilos Guides.
More notes on making another plant live in Propagating Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors