Pleiospilos nelii 'Royal Flush' – Jewel-Toned Living Stone

Pleiospilos nelii 'Royal Flush' – Jewel-Toned Living Stone

Pleiospilos nelii 'Royal Flush' is a captivating mesemb native to the arid regions of South Africa. This unique cultivar is known for its regal purple hue, mimicking the appearance of pebbles to camouflage in its rocky surroundings. Often mistaken for Lithops, it belongs to the same family (Aizoaceae) and produces stunning, daisy-like flowers that are surprisingly large in proportion to its body.

Distinctive Features

• Leaf Colouration: The fleshy, hemispherical leaves display a dramatic deep purple to wine-red tone, unique among its genus.
• Camouflage Texture: The speckled, stone-like texture helps it blend in with its native rocky terrain, a survival trait in the wild.
• Flowering Display: Produces a solitary but eye-catching pink to magenta bloom that opens in late summer or autumn.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright light to full sun; can tolerate partial shade but may lose colour intensity.
• Water: Very drought-tolerant; water sparingly, especially during winter dormancy.
• Humidity: Thrives in dry air; avoid high humidity to prevent rot.
• Media: Requires a sharply draining mix, ideally sandy or gritty succulent soil.
• Temperature: Best grown between 15–25°C; protect from frost below 5°C.
• Fertiliser: Use a diluted cactus fertiliser once during active growth in spring.
• Repotting: Infrequent repotting needed; only when plant outgrows container or soil deteriorates.

Additional Notes

• Flowers open in the afternoon and close by evening, lasting for several days when conditions are right.
• This cultivar is not considered toxic to pets, but ingestion is still not recommended.
• Due to its slow growth and rare colouration, it is highly sought after by collectors.

Pleiospilos nelii 'Royal Flush' offers both elegance and botanical intrigue, making it an excellent addition to any succulent display. Its vivid coloration and low-maintenance needs make it especially rewarding for growers who appreciate the extraordinary.