Othonna triplinervia

Othonna triplinervia key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Long-lived shrublet (little published data)

Size

About 40 cm tall; stem 4 cm or more thick

Watering

Light feeding in the growing season

Light & Placement

Give it bright light; fairly hard conditions keep it compact.

Watering

Growers either treat it as a winter grower, watering from autumn to spring, or water it moderately all year since it stays evergreen when water is available. Reduce water if the leaves start to fall.

Dormancy Care

If grown as a winter grower, cut back water when the leaves yellow in spring and keep it on the dry side through summer.

Temperature & Overwintering

Its cliff habitat is mild and almost frost-free; protect it from frost in winter.

Soil & Repotting

It grows in cliff crevices, so use a very free-draining mix.

About Othonna triplinervia

Othonna triplinervia is a caudiciform shrub from South Africa's Eastern Cape, with a swollen succulent trunk, netted leaves, and bright yellow flowers. Beginner-friendly and prone to staying evergreen.

7 things to know before growing Othonna triplinervia

1. 1Light and Airflow

   During the growing season, keep it outdoors in a bright, well-ventilated spot so the trunk develops a firm, compact shape. Intense midsummer sun can scorch the leaves, so light shade or partial cover in peak summer helps. In winter, move it indoors to a sunny window away from frost.

2. 2Water by Watching the Leaves

   Two approaches are described: watering from autumn to spring as a winter grower, or watering sparingly year-round, since it stays evergreen when water is available. Either way, watch the leaves and reduce watering when they start to drop. It grows in cliff crevices, so use a very free-draining mix.

3. 3Well-Draining Soil

   Use a fast-draining mix formulated for caudiciform plants, or blend akadama, pumice, and perlite. A coarse mix that lets excess moisture drain quickly helps prevent the succulent trunk and roots from taking up too much water.

4. 4Repotting Timing

   Spring to early summer, when growth picks up, is the best time to repot. Loosen the root ball, remove old soil, and trim away any damaged roots before planting in fresh mix. This is also a good opportunity to check root health, so consider repotting every few years.

5. 5Seasonal Care

   During the spring-to-autumn growing season, give it plenty of light and water to encourage growth. Unusually for Othonna, this species tends to hold onto its leaves, but growth slows in winter, so cut back on watering and protect it from cold and frost.

6. 6Choosing a Healthy Plant

   Look for a plant with a firm, well-swollen base, with a trunk diameter of around 4cm or more as a good benchmark. Leaves with good turgor and clearly visible netted veining are signs of healthy growth. Also check the trunk for any wounds or soft spots.

7. 7Easy for Beginners

   This species is considered beginner-friendly, and with basic attention to watering and placement, it's an easygoing caudiciform to grow long-term. As a small shrub reaching about 40cm tall, and unlike many Othonna species, it tends to stay evergreen, so you can enjoy its foliage year-round.

Frequently asked questions about Othonna triplinervia

Q.Is Othonna triplinervia suitable for beginners?

A.Yes, it's generally considered beginner-friendly. As long as you follow the basics of watering and placement, it's an approachable caudiciform for those new to the group.

Q.Does it lose its leaves in winter?

A.Unusually for the genus Othonna, this species tends to stay evergreen. That said, some leaf drop can still occur depending on growing conditions.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.It's a small shrub that reaches about 40cm in height, with a trunk that thickens to 4cm or more. It's long-lived and slowly bulks up its trunk over time.

Q.How often should I water it?

A.Two approaches are described: watering from autumn to spring as a winter grower, or watering sparingly all year. As a guide, reduce watering when the leaves start to drop. The succulent trunk stores water, so avoid overwatering.

Q.When and how often should I repot it?

A.There isn't much detailed information on repotting timing or frequency. When it becomes root-bound, repot into a very free-draining mix while the plant is in leaf and actively growing. It's also a good chance to check root health.

Handy Growing Tools for Othonna triplinervia

Learn more about Othonna triplinervia in the encyclopedia

More in this category