Glottiphyllum oligocarpum Plant Care

Glottiphyllum oligocarpum L.Bolus

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Glottiphyllum oligocarpum is a unique succulent known for its thick, triangular leaves that have a striking purple hue. Originating from the rocky slopes of South Africa, this plant thrives in arid environments and is popular among enthusiasts for its ability to survive long periods without water.

🌵Succulents
Water

Every 14–21 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Glottiphyllum oligocarpum?

Water Glottiphyllum oligocarpum every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.

Where Is the Glottiphyllum oligocarpum Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Glottiphyllum oligocarpum?

Glottiphyllum oligocarpum (Glottiphyllum oligocarpum) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Glottiphyllum genus. Glottiphyllum oligocarpum is native to arid areas of the Little Karoo, in the Western Cape, South Africa. Glottiphyllum oligocarpum is also known as Living stone plant.

Glottiphyllum oligocarpum displays a low clumping succulent growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Glottiphyllum oligocarpum produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Glottiphyllum oligocarpum?

Glottiphyllum oligocarpum requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 14–21 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Glottiphyllum oligocarpum Need?

Glottiphyllum oligocarpum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Glottiphyllum oligocarpum Prefer?

Glottiphyllum oligocarpum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Glottiphyllum oligocarpum prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Glottiphyllum oligocarpum?

Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Glottiphyllum oligocarpum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Glottiphyllum oligocarpum?

Feed Glottiphyllum oligocarpum every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every month

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Glottiphyllum oligocarpum?

Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Glottiphyllum oligocarpum?

Glottiphyllum oligocarpum can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, seeds.

Is the Glottiphyllum oligocarpum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Glottiphyllum oligocarpum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Glottiphyllum oligocarpum?

Glottiphyllum oligocarpum is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Glottiphyllum oligocarpum Need?

Glottiphyllum oligocarpum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Glottiphyllum oligocarpum is native to arid areas of the Little Karoo, in the Western Cape, South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Glottiphyllum oligocarpum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 9b – 11b

Keep exploring plants

Glottiphyllum oligocarpum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Glottiphyllum genus — compare its care with other Glottiphyllum species on PlantoScan.

Glottiphyllum is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.

Glottiphyllum oligocarpum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Glottiphyllum oligocarpum L.Bolus, family Aizoaceae (first published in Notes Mesembryanthemum 2: 450. 1934.) — World Flora Online record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Glottiphyllum oligocarpum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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